Coming into training camp this spring, it was widely assumed that the Philadelphia Phillies backup catcher position would see a changing of the guard this year. Now, just one week from the Phillies opening the season against the Washington Nationals, the team has confirmed our suspicions about who will be backing up starting catcher J.T. Realmuto.
On Thursday, ahead of their Grapefruit League game against the Atlanta Braves, the Phillies announced that incumbent backup catcher Garrett Stubbs has been optioned to Triple-A. That leaves Rafael Marchán as the winner of one of the few Opening Day roster spots.
Prior to today’s game, the Phillies optioned C Garrett Stubbs to Lehigh Valley (AAA)
— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) March 20, 2025
Phillies pick Rafael Marchán as their Opening Day backup catcher, option Garrett Stubbs
After having Stubbs as the team's second backstop for the past three seasons, the Phillies were almost forced to go a different route in 2025. Marchán, a former top prospect, is now out of minor league options, so the front office had to give him the first shot at the big league job or risk losing him on waivers. All he had to do this spring was stay healthy.
The 26-year-old switch hitter has shown the ability to hit in the majors when given a chance, but injuries have kept him from gaining any kind of significant foothold in the Phillies' catching depth chart. He made an impact last season in a 17-game stint while Realmuto was on the shelf. Splitting time with Stubbs, he hit .294 with an .894 OPS and three home runs in 17 games.
Ring it, Rafael!!#RingTheBell pic.twitter.com/t4AfHX8tpe
— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) June 27, 2024
So far this spring, the Phillies one-time No. 5 prospect is hitting .250 with a .649 OPS. He doesn't have a home run but has displayed the same discipline that he demonstrated in his brief cameo last year, with a 14.3 percent walk rate and a 10.7 percent strikeout rate this spring.
Marchán also made an early impression on Phillies manager Rob Thomson with his defense. Thomson spoke to NBC Sports Philadelphia's Corey Seidman earlier this spring.
"Really everything," Thomson said about Marchan's work behind the plate, per Seidman. "He throws as well as anyone, catches the ball great, he can block, moves around, he's aggressive with back-picks. He's done a lot of work with J.T. and Stubby and Caleb (Cotham), our pitching group. He's done a lot of homework, and now he calls a really good game. Intelligent kid. He's not a kid anymore, really intelligent person. I have full confidence in him."
Phillies will stash Stubbs in Triple-A as a fallback option
Some will undoubtedly be sad to see Stubbs off the team. He has become a favorite for a group of fans thanks to his off-field activities as a fun clubhouse leader and "Chief Vibes Officer." However, he's a polarizing player who has been frustrating to watch at the plate in recent seasons.
Stubbs, who will use up his final minor league option this year, can be stashed in Triple-A and called upon when needed. To his credit, he must have made it tough on the Phillies to make the final call. The 31-year-old put together an impressive spring training. In 26 plate appearances, Stubbs hit .286 with an .804 OPS, a pair of doubles, four RBI, three walks and four strikeouts.
Despite his inspirational role as CVO, Stubbs' track record at the plate the past couple of seasons hasn't instilled enough confidence in the Phillies that he'll be able to handle a bigger workload if Realmuto sits more this season. After hitting .264 with an .812 OPS in 121 plate appearances in 2022, his first year in Philadelphia, he struggled to a combined .206 average and .558 OPS in 187 plate appearances in 2023 and 2024.
So, the Phillies made the decision we all knew they would, taking the path of least resistance and keeping their catching depth intact. Now it's up to Marchán to prove them right and do his best to hold onto his spot on the roster this season. This will likely be his final kick at the can with the Phillies.