The Philadelphia Phillies have a new roster competition as clinching a postseason appearance nears. With Garrett Stubbs being called up as a September call-up, the Phillies are setting up a competition. The backup catcher spot on the postseason roster is clearly up for grabs. It is not a guarantee that Rafael Marchán is the Phillies’ backup catcher on their postseason roster, assuming they get there. Marchán has struggled this season, which opened the door for Stubbs. This season, Marchán has a .186/.278/.256 line with one home run and nine RBI in 35 games. Additionally, Marchán has a career-worst 53 wRC+ and a .211 BABIP this season, which is also a career worst. However, Marchán does have a career-best 0.71 BB/K rate this season.
One reason that Marchán has been the backup catcher this season is because he has no minor league options. This led the Phillies to use the last remaining minor league option year Stubbs has. Stubbs has a .265/.352/.402 line with eight home runs as well as 50 RBI in 71 Triple-A games this season. To add to that, Stubbs has a 101 wRC+ and a .315 BABIP in the minor leagues this year. Stubbs has a 0.50 K/BB rate this season. Stubbs has performed well at Triple-A this season compared to his past few major league seasons. Given minor league option considerations, it is reasonable to believe that neither Stubbs nor Marchán will be in the Phillies organization beyond this season. The team has needed to upgrade the backup catcher spot for a few years now.
Phillies New Roster Competition As Postseason Berth Nears
Increased Flexibility For The Time Being
Stubbs, being the position player call-up, gives the Phillies more flexibility with J.T. Realmuto for the remainder of the regular season. Having a third catcher on the roster allows for Realmuto to get some rest while staying in the lineup, serving as the designated hitter. Before the season, the Phillies intended to have Realmuto catch fewer games in 2025 compared to years past. Realmuto has been the designated hitter for one game this season. Since Realmuto joined the Phillies in 2019, no catcher has caught more innings than him. While other options may have made more sense, calling up Stubbs gives the Phillies a different type of flexibility. Furthermore, Realmuto could be used as a pinch-hitter in certain situations now with Stubbs there.
Repeat Of Discussions From Previous Seasons And Their Implications
This is not the first time there has been a debate about who should be the Phillies’ backup catcher. Last season, while Realmuto was on the injured list, Marchán excelled, leaving a decision to be made. Stubbs has been the Phillies’ backup catcher on the postseason roster each of the last three years as well. It is worth noting that minor league options have no impact on the postseason roster. This could lead to Stubbs getting the nod over Marchán if the Phillies get to that point. The locker room presence Stubbs has may also influence the decision. Marchán has lost the performance advantage that he had over Stubbs when this debate came up previously. Performances down the stretch will ultimately make the determination.
Main Photo Credits: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
