5 Phillies players who should be gone immediately after the 2023 MLB playoffs
By Edward Eng
Garrett Stubbs
Garrett Stubbs has been the Phillies’ trusted backup catcher to J.T. Realmuto for the past couple of seasons. He did an admirable job last season despite the limited playing time, as he still managed to hit for a decent average of .264, along with an .812 OPS, 19 runs scored, five home runs and 16 RBI in just 46 games played. With numbers like that, he seemed to be a serviceable and ideal backup for Realmuto.
However, the 2023 season has been quite the disappointment for Stubbs, both at the plate and behind the plate. Defensively, he has committed five errors in just 38 games played, along with a -2 DRS and has thrown out only 19% of the baserunners trying to steal. Offensively, it has been a far cry compared to his 2022 season, as he has only tallied 12 runs scored, one home run, and 11 RBI for a feeble .198 batting average and .550 OPS.
As Realmuto begins to age, the Phillies will need to give him more rest from the catching position. In doing so, the backup catcher will essentially play a bigger role on the team in the coming years. If that is indeed the case, the Phillies should look for a more ideal candidate to take on the increased role following the end of the 2023 season.