Philadelphia Phillies catcher J.T. Realmuto has reached a level in baseball that countless young athletes dream about. But the veteran MLB star says his career isn’t where he finds his identity or lasting fulfillment.
For Realmuto, that foundation is Jesus Christ.
In an interview with Travel Chapel, a ministry focused on bringing faith into the baseball community, Realmuto shared a message for players tempted to make the game the center of their lives.
“Chase after Jesus before you’re chasing after baseball,” Realmuto said. “I think if your foundation in life is baseball or anything material that is fleeting, it’s not going to be good for you.”
Realmuto explained that even the greatest accomplishments eventually fade, while his faith offers something that doesn’t.
“The one constant and the one thing that’ll be here your whole life, and the one true love that you’ll know is going to be Jesus,” he said. “So, chase after that with all your heart, and good things will come from that.”
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That doesn’t mean following Christ guarantees success on the field, Realmuto added. “Doesn’t mean you’re going to make it to the big leagues, but He’s going to fulfill you and satisfy you.”
Realmuto’s understanding of faith wasn’t always that clear. He said he grew up believing in God but approached Christianity as if God’s approval had to be earned through good behavior. His perspective began to change after meeting his wife, Lexi.
“She showed me what it really meant to follow Jesus and to chase after His heart,” Realmuto said.
He described his earlier faith as a “works-type of Christianity,” believing he needed to do enough good things to reach God. Eventually, he came to understand grace differently — not as something he could earn through perfection, but as something he could receive.
Realmuto and his wife have also taken their faith beyond private conversations. In May, the couple hosted a faith-and-family event following a Phillies game, featuring player testimonies, a message and worship from the Christian rock band NEEDTOBREATHE. They hosted a similar Faith and Baseball Night in July 2025, bringing fans, friends and families together at the ballpark.
For Realmuto, the message extends far beyond professional athletes. Careers change. Accomplishments fade. Even the things people spend years pursuing can disappear.
But Realmuto believes there is something far more lasting to chase.
Jesus.