The Philadelphia Phillies will have some younger players competing for roles with the team in spring training this year. Otto Kemp is one of the players who'll continue to develop at the MLB level in 2026. As Kemp enters his second year with the Phillies, manager Rob Thomson is optimistic that the utility player will continue to carve out a significant role for himself with the organization.
Kemp split last season between Triple-A Lehigh Valley and the Phillies. He's expected to make the Phillies' Opening Day roster. With a healthy group, there's only a spot for him in the outfield, with Thomson envisioning the right-handed-hitting Kemp becoming a part of the left field platoon.
Otto Kemp could have a bigger role than anticipated with the Phillies in 2026
Thomson mentioned recently that one of the differences in this year's roster is that Kemp will be with the club to start the season. He didn't make his major league debut until June 7 last year.
As reported by MLB.com's Paul Casella, getting more reps in the outfield will be part of Kemp's focus during spring training, according to Thomson. The 26-year-old only played 11 games in left field, compared to 31 at third base, 17 at first, and two at second.
"I think some corner outfield," Thomson said last week about plans to play Kemp this spring, per Casella. "A little bit of infield work -- third base, second base, maybe a little bit of first base, too. But, really, focus on the outfield more than anything else."
The Phillies' outfield depth is thin with spring training scheduled to begin in a few weeks. Brandon Marsh, Adolis García, and prospect Justin Crawford are expected to be their primary options to start the season. Johan Rojas is also still in the picture, while Gabriel Rincones Jr. may make the club at some point, possibly the Opening Day roster, if he has a strong spring training.
There is room for Kemp to make an impression beginning in Clearwater. Thomson prefers an outfield rotation and has two options for each outfield spot to start the 2026 season. Kemp could also see time at first or third base if there's an injury to either Bryce Harper or Alec Bohm.
In 62 games with the Phillies, Kemp compiled eight home runs, 28 RBIs, and a .234/.298/.411 slash line with a .709 OPS. We already knew that Kemp played through injuries last year. He recently shared details of the procedures he underwent earlier this offseason.
"I needed two procedures done, one on my [left] knee, one on my [left] shoulder," Kemp said. "Removed a bone fragment from my knee that happened in June last year. I was able to grind through. And just a shoulder cleanup. [The injuries] definitely [affected me] a little bit, but everybody's playing with something."
"I think it played into it a little bit," Kemp said about how much the ailments affected him last year. "But I'm excited to see where this year goes being fully healthy and being 100 percent coming out of spring training and hopefully staying that way throughout the year."
Kemp has an opportunity to grow in spring training and earn a role in the Phillies outfield. He's certainly a player to watch to see how good he can be in his second season in the majors.