The Phillies have relied on two main backup catchers over the past few seasons, but this year they can only ensure that one will still be with the team after Opening Day. The players in question are seven-year MLB veteran Garrett Stubbs and four-year veteran Rafael Marchán, who appeared to move ahead of Stubbs on the depth chart midway through last season.
MLB.com Phillies reporter Todd Zolecki reveal the team’s Opening Day roster and chose Marchán as the backup to J.T. Realmuto. If that happens, Stubbs would likely be placed on waivers, where another team could claim him or he could become a free agent.
“It’s Marchán vs. Garrett Stubbs,” Zolecki proclaimed. “Both are out of options, so the Phillies could lose the catcher who doesn’t make the team.
“Stubbs signed a split contract with the Phillies, meaning he will be paid $925,000 in the big leagues or $575,000 in Triple-A. If Stubbs doesn’t make the Opening Day roster and clears outright waivers, he can accept the outright assignment or elect free agency. But if he elects free agency, he forfeits the contract that guarantees him a relatively significant Minor League salary.”
Some spring training “roster cuts” mean more than others, and moving on from Stubbs would certainly be classified as significant. The 32-year-old came to the Phillies organization in 2022, played in 146 major league games, and was known more as an energetic clubhouse glue guy than a major contributor in the batter’s box.
At this stage of their careers, though, Marchán probably has a bit more upside than Realmuto, especially from a defensive perspective. In a year where a championship is the only acceptable outcome for the Phillies, the only consideration in this roster decision is who can help win their first game and as many more as possible thereafter.
