When the Philadelphia Phillies lost out in the Bo Bichette sweepstakes to the New York Mets, they quickly pivoted to re-sign star catcher J.T. Realmuto to a three-year contract. In doing so, the Phillies and their fans could somewhat rejoice in that they had secured quality talent in the lineup and behind the plate for the near future.
This might be good news for the Phillies overall. However, the Realmuto signing was actually devastating news for one player in particular, Phillies clubhouse favorite Garrett Stubbs, as his fate for the upcoming season was ultimately determined in the process.
J.T. Realmuto return pushes Garrett Stubbs down Phillies' depth chart, maybe all the way to Lehigh Valley
By having Realmuto back in Philadelphia, Rafael Marchán will fall back into the backup catcher’s role, likely forcing Stubbs back to the minors as a result. That was how things were set up last season for the Phillies when all three catchers were part of the organization.
Stubbs appeared to have an opportunity to re-establish his role in the majors with the Phillies this year after a strong minor league campaign in 2025 with Triple-A Lehigh Valley. He showed off some of his offensive flair by batting .265 with a .753 OPS, 45 runs scored, 12 doubles, eight home runs, and 50 RBIs in just 71 games played with the IronPigs. In doing so, Stubbs proved that he wasn’t just all glove and could actually contribute effectively at the plate as well.
If they hadn't brought back Realmuto, there was a chance that the Phillies could have potentially gone ahead with the tandem of Marchán and Stubbs for the 2026 season. However, with the return of the star catcher, that possible plan is in the garbage.
Unlike last year, Stubbs no longer has any minor league options remaining entering the 2026 season. So Philadelphia needs to make a huge decision on his future. With Marchán also out of options, do the Phillies dare to run with a three-catcher lineup to start the season? Or do they let Stubbs and Marchán battle it out once again in spring training and try to sneak the odd man out through waivers?
Odds are that the Phillies just settle with the same setup as last season but subject Stubbs to waivers this time around to outright him to Triple-A with hopes that he won’t be claimed.
Nevertheless, the road back to the majors just got that much tougher for Stubbs as he aims to remain a player of relevance entering what will be his age-33 season.