It's an exciting time for baseball fans. The Super Bowl is over, so everyone's attention now turns toward the Philadelphia Phillies and spring training. With pitchers and catchers rolling into training camp, we'll start seeing clips of Phillies on the fields and soundbites from the clubhouse at the team's spring training complex in Clearwater, Florida.
What are we watching for and what will people be talking about in spring training this year?
That's what we're doing here today: getting you caught up on some of the most intriguing storylines to watch as spring training gets underway. Let's dive in.
What will the top of the lineup look like on Opening Day?
Phillies manager Rob Thomson has already spoken about toying with his lineup during spring training. Slugging designated hitter Kyle Schwarber has been an unconventional but successful leadoff hitter since joining the Phillies in 2022, but it feels like change is in the air this season — at least in meaningless Grapefruit League games.
With Topper saying recently that shortstop Trea Turner would be his ideal candidate to take over the role, whether the Phillies' coaching staff will be happy with the early returns is another matter. Will Thomson stick with a new look into Opening Day?
Will the Phillies sign Kyle Schwarber and/or J.T. Realmuto to contract extensions?
The Phillies have a handful of players entering contract years. The most notable are lefty Ranger Suárez, catcher J.T. Realmuto and Schwarber. Suárez figures to head to free agency looking for a payday, while the Phillies will likely try to extend the latter two.
Schwarber has already said he'd love to stay in Philadelphia and wants to discuss an extension during spring training. Realmuto is a must-keep for the Phillies. Despite turning 34 before Opening Day, the Phillies don't have anyone internally to take on his role, both in the lineup and handling the pitching staff. Will the Phillies get these deals done before the season, or will this continue to be a storyline all year?
The kids are in camp this year
The Phillies invited their top three prospects to big league spring training this year. Right-hander Andrew Painter (who was in camp in 2022 before getting injured), shortstop Aidan Miller and outfielder Justin Crawford will all see time around the big club this spring.
Unfortunately, we already know that Painter won't pitch in Grapefruit League games and won't make his MLB debut until sometime in the summer, as long as everything goes well. It's unrealistic to envision Miller and Crawford making the team, but just seeing the Phillies' future in action will be exciting.
Key position battles to watch in spring training
The Phillies' veteran-laden roster is pretty well set, barring injuries. That being said, there are still a few fascinating position battles yet to be determined, leaving Thomson and his coaching staff some decisions to make before Opening Day.
The backup catcher roster spot will be a battle between incumbent Garrett Stubbs and Rafael Marchán. Center field looks to be Brandon Marsh's to lose, but Johan Rojas could push the issue if he carries his Winter Ball success over to spring training. The final bench spot is wide open, with Weston Wilson, Kody Clemens and possibly Buddy Kennedy vying to be the 26th man.
What are the Phillies going to do with Taijuan Walker?
The problem of what to do with Taijuan Walker hasn't gone away. Thanks to the $36 million the Phillies still owe the veteran right-hander through the 2026 season, he's going to get a chance to prove himself in spring training. Luckily, we don't have to worry about him being in the rotation, thanks to the addition of Jesús Luzardo.
Thomson recently told The Phillies Show podcast that Walker looks good this winter, but we'll see if that turns into anything usable. He has the inside track on the eighth and final bullpen spot, possibly as a long-relief/swingman option. We'll see.