Philadelphia Phillies catcher J.T. Realmuto is rejecting his $18.9 million qualifying offer from the team.

This was expected and Realmuto will seek for a long-term substantial deal in free agency.

Realmuto will be the top free agent catcher this offseason, and the Mets are expecting to make a push for the 29-year-old.

He hit .266/.349/.491 in 195 plate appearances in 2020 with 11 home runs and 32 RBI.