PHILADELPHIA -- J.T. Realmuto is in the news again.

He never left, really. But his name popped up a couple more times Wednesday. He was named to the All-MLB Second Team on Wednesday night. He got mentioned earlier in the day when there were multiple reports that the Mets had intensified negotiations with free-agent catcher James McCann. The Mets had been considered a top suitor for Realmuto, who is looking for a record-setting payday for a catcher.

If the Mets sign McCann, it removes arguably the Phillies’ top competitor for his services.

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Arguably, because there are other teams out there that could sign Realmuto. The Blue Jays, Yankees and Nationals are just a few teams that have been mentioned as possible destinations. But the Phillies would like to see the Mets out of the picture.

Still, it does not mean the Phillies will meet Realmuto’s asking price. The Phillies have offered mixed messages publicly about Realmuto’s free agency for months. They have sounded generally pessimistic at times -- matching the pessimism they expressed privately -- but they also have said re-signing him is their top priority.

The Phillies know their fan base and their own players (most notably Bryce Harper) want him back. There is real pressure there. Realmuto had been seeking a contract in the $200 million range, although it is unknown if that remains his ask. Negotiations always have a starting point. Certainly, Harper did not start negotiations with the Phillies asking for a 13-year, $330 million deal.

Right now, it is unclear who is talking to Realmuto’s camp, if anybody. Is it Phillies managing partner John Middleton, team president Andy MacPhail or interim general manager Ned Rice? The Phillies are searching for a president of baseball operations, but former Marlins president of baseball operations Michael Hill is the only known candidate still in the mix. Twins general manager Thad Levine and Dodgers vice president of baseball operations Josh Byrnes removed themselves from consideration, sources said, confirming a report in The Athletic.

If the Phillies choose Hill, somebody else or keep Rice in the role indefinitely, they will be tasked with signing Realmuto. If Realmuto does or doesn’t remain with the Phillies, the club will have holes in the rotation, bullpen, shortstop and outfield to fill, too.

Realmuto, a First Team selection on the inaugural All-MLB squad in 2019, ceded that spot to Kansas City’s Salvador Perez this year. Still, Realmuto posted a career-high .840 OPS in the shortened season, with 11 home runs and 32 RBIs in 47 games.