The Philadelphia Phillies have several players participating in the upcoming World Baseball Classic. Among those are cornerstones Kyle Schwarber, Bryce Harper, Aaron Nola, Cristopher Sánchez, and José Alvarado. Taijuan Walker, Brad Keller, Johan Rojas, Edmundo Sosa, Max Lazar, Garrett Stubbs, and Alan Rangel are also taking part in the event.
Thanks to the WBC taking place smack-dab in the middle of training camp with a large contingent of Phillies scheduled to participate, there are several players who will receive more opportunities in spring training. Which roster members could stand to gain from increased playing time during March?
4 Phillies getting a bigger spring training opportunity thanks to World Baseball Classic
Bryan De La Cruz, OF
The Phillies signed Bryan De La Cruz to a minor league contract in November. A non-roster invitee he'll be looking to return to playing more in the majors after only appearing in 16 games last year with the Atlanta Braves. The Santo Domingo Este, Dominican Republic, native has spent the majority of his career with the Miami Marlins, playing in 431 of his 491 career games in Miami from 2021 through a significant portion of the 2024 season.
De La Cruz's best year was 2023, when he played 153 games and compiled 19 home runs, 78 RBIs, with a slash line of .257/.304/.411 and a .715 OPS. Philadelphia will have competition for the right-handed platoon role in left field with lefty Brandon Marsh. De La Cruz has a chance to win the spot if he excels in spring training, given his previous MLB experience.
Gabriel Rincones Jr., OF
Gabriel Rincones Jr. made a positive impression with his power last spring and could see more at-bats with Schwarber vacating the designated spot for a few weeks. The outfielder had 18 home runs, 73 RBIs, and slashed a .240/.370/.430 line with an OPS of .800 in 119 games with the Lehigh Valley IronPigs in Triple-A last season.
The left-handed-hitting Rincones could form a platoon in right field with right-handed hitter Adolis García at some point during the season if he excels in spring training and progresses with the IronPigs. If the Phillies need another outfielder due to injuries during the regular season, Rincones could be another young player to make his MLB debut in 2026.
Andrew Painter, RHP
Andrew Painter is likely to make the Opening Day roster. However, the top pitching prospect will be relied upon as a starter even more during spring training with Aaron Nola, Cristopher Sánchez, and Taijuan Walker all participating in the World Baseball Classic and Zack Wheeler's status uncertain.
Painter was inconsistent last year, his first since 2022 after Tommy John surgery. He went 5-6, with a 5.26 ERA, a 1.49 WHIP, 123 strikeouts, and 47 walks in 26 starts (22 with Lehigh Valley). The 22-year-old has an opportunity to enter the 2026 regular season with momentum and gain experience in the rotation with plenty of starts this spring.
Otto Kemp, INF/OF
Otto Kemp is the early favorite to win the platoon job in left field entering spring training. He should receive more at-bats with Schwarber and Harper both out of the lineup for an extended stretch. Kemp also spent time in the infield with the Phillies last season, playing at both first and third.
The Fullerton, California, native compiled eight home runs, 28 RBIs, and a .234/.298/.411 slash line with a .709 OPS in 62 contests in 2025. His skills as a utility player increase his chances of seeing frequent playing time with the Phillies in 2026. Kemp has a chance to continue his development in his second major league season by getting off to a good start in spring training.