Phillies are bringing back Garrett Stubbs for the 2025 season

The Phillies and Garrett Stubbs have agreed to a deal for the 2025 season, ensuring that the veteran catcher will be with the team through Spring Training.

I’ve seen a ton of confusion on social media about the Phillies’ decision to bring back Garrett Stubbs so let’s be very clear in saying that in no way does this mean Stubbs is locked in as the primary backup to J.T. Realmuto next season.

Phillies agree on a contract with Garrett Stubbs in 2025:

The Phillies made the following roster moves today:
 
• Agreed to terms on a contract for the 2025 season with right-hander José Ruiz and catcher Garrett Stubbs
 
• Tendered contracts to five arbitration-eligible players: infielders Alec Bohm, Edmundo Sosa & Bryson Stott,…

— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) November 23, 2024

The more likely scenario is that Rafael Marchán, who’s out of minor league options, takes over the backup role. Marchán impressed in limited action last season, showing promise both at the plate and behind it.

But there’s one caveat: Marchán has struggled to stay healthy. That’s where Stubbs comes in, providing insurance in case Marchán isn’t ready when it’s time to finalize the Opening Day roster.

The JT Realmuto Balancing Act: Phillies in search of a suitable backup catcher to give the B.C.I.B. some much needed time off >>

The Phillies face an interesting situation with Stubbs if Marchán earns the backup job. Stubbs still has a minor league option remaining, so he could be sent to Triple-A Lehigh Valley as organizational depth.

That move, while logical on paper, could feel a bit awkward given Stubbs’ role as a clubhouse staple over the past three seasons. Alternatively, Stubbs might attract interest from another team in need of a backup catcher, leading to a potential trade.

Garrett Stubbs’ performance has been a mixed bag. He turned heads in 2022, hitting .264 with an impressive .812 OPS in 46 games, but his numbers have dipped significantly since then.

Over the last two seasons, Stubbs has slashed just .206/.558, raising questions about his long-term value as a backup. With Realmuto entering his age-34 season and catching depth becoming more critical, the Phillies can’t afford to leave this position up in the air.

This deal with Stubbs provides flexibility and depth for the Phillies as they head into 2025. While his exact role remains uncertain, having an experienced catcher ready to step in offers some peace of mind—especially with the health concerns surrounding Marchán and the wear-and-tear of Realmuto’s heavy workload.

Whether Garrett Stubbs sticks around as a backup or serves as depth at Lehigh Valley, his presence gives the Phillies options, which will be crucial as they aim to solidify their roster heading into a pivotal season.

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