We're only about six weeks out from the beginning of spring training, and while the start of the Philadelphia Phillies' 2025 regular season still feels like it's a long way off, we have a fairly good idea of what the team's roster will look like when games start to mean something in late March.
As we sit here in early January, the core of the Phillies' star-studded roster remains intact. The front office has tinkered with the edges of the roster this winter, signing relievers Jordan Romano and Joe Ross and new left fielder Max Kepler. They also pulled off a slick trade with the Miami Marlins for left-handed starter Jesús Luzardo.
Phillies 2025 Opening Day roster projection 1.0
Phillies Starting Rotation
- Zack Wheeler (RHP)
- Aaron Nola (RHP)
- Ranger Suárez (LHP)
- Cristopher Sánchez (LHP)
- Jesús Luzardo (LHP)
The addition of the 27-year-old Luzardo, who's now fully healthy, gives the Phillies the best rotation in baseball — and that's not even counting top prospect Andrew Painter. The 21-year-old will make his MLB debut at some point this season, likely in July. How he'll be used is another matter altogether. If there's an injury to the starting five, he'll be the next man up to plug a hole, hopefully.
The only other question is how manager Rob Thomson will deploy his embarrassment of riches. Ace Zack Wheeler has earned the top spot, with the remainder of the rotation up in the air. Veteran Aaron Nola has more than earned the No. 2 slot, but Thomson and pitching coach Caleb Cotham might look to insert a left-hander in between the two righties. Either one of Ranger Suárez or Cristopher Sánchez would be a good fit, while the newcomer Luzardo might have to earn his way up the pecking order.
Phillies Bullpen
- Jordan Romano (RHP)
- Matt Strahm (LHP)
- José Alvarado (LHP)
- Orion Kerkering (RHP)
- Tanner Banks (LHP)
- José Ruiz (RHP)
- Joe Ross (RHP)
- Taijuan Walker (RHP)
Most of the Phillies' Opening Day bullpen seems set, with at least seven spots spoken for. Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski recently confirmed as much (subscription required), according to The Athletic's Matt Gelb.
With one bullpen spot open, Taijuan Walker seems like the obvious choice to get the first kick at the can. The veteran had a 2024 to forget and has been bumped out of the team's rotation plans. With an $18 million salary, the Phillies will give him every chance to prove himself useful. We'll just have to wait to see how spring training goes for the 32-year-old.
Phillies Infield
- Bryce Harper (1B)
- Bryson Stott (2B)
- Trea Turner (SS)
- Alec Bohm (3B)
- J.T. Realmuto (C)
The Phillies' starting infield is easy. Veterans Bryce Harper, Trea Turner and J.T. Realmuto will get their regular playing time — although Realmuto might see less than a full-time workload behind the plate this season. Second baseman Bryson Stott is poised for a bounce-back campaign, while Alec Bohm will look to prove his value at the hot corner after all the trade rumors that circulated earlier this offseason.
Phillies Outfield
- Max Kepler (LF)
- Brandon Marsh (CF)
- Nick Castellanos (RF)
- Kyle Schwarber (DH)
We know the Phillies see Kepler as the everyday left fielder. Whether that pans out remains to be seen. Nick Castellanos played all 162 games last season, and Thomson will pencil him in his lineup card every day again in 2025. We'll also lump designated hitter Kyle Schwarber in here, although it will be surprising to see him back in the outfield again this season.
Brandon Marsh will be given centerfield duties, most likely against right-handed pitching. The team is probably still hoping he comes around versus lefties, too, but he has yet to prove that's a realistic possible outcome.
Phillies Bench
- Rafael Marchán (C)
- Johan Rojas (OF)
- Edmundo Sosa (INF)
- Weston Wilson (INF/OF)
With the Phillies planning to cut back on Realmuto's workload, the backup job will go to Rafael Marchán, while Garrett Stubbs begins the year in Triple-A, thanks to his one remaining minor league option. The question will be whether the 25-year-old Marchán can stay healthy. If he can, his bat will be an upgrade over Stubbs.
Johan Rojas will get a chance to prove himself in a reduced role in 2025. He'll probably see starts in center against left-handers and in some late-innings pinch-running and defensive substitution scenarios.
Edmundo Sosa is secure in his reserve infielder role, especially after how he filled in for the six weeks that Turner spent on the IL last season.
The final bench spot will be filled internally, as Dombrowski recently informed us. The versatile Weston Wilson will make the Opening Day roster in that role, but he'll have Kody Clemens and possibly Buddy Kennedy challenging him in spring training.