Kody Clemens makes the Opening Day roster, edging out Buddy Kennedy for the final bench spot

Spring training has a way of answering questions—and this one wasn’t all that complicated. The Phillies have reportedly told Kody Clemens he’s made the Opening Day roster, edging out Buddy Kennedy for the final bench spot, per reports from Todd Zolecki and Matt Gelb.

Kody Clemens makes the Opening Day roster, edging out Buddy Kennedy for final bench spot

Kody Clemens has been told he will make the team. The Phils will try to trade Buddy Kennedy in the next few days. If they can’t trade him before rosters are set Thursday, he will be DFA’d.

— Todd Zolecki (@ToddZolecki) March 24, 2025

With Kody Clemens and Buddy Kennedy both out of options, the choice wasn’t just about upside—it was about who could help right now and Clemens definitely earned it.

Through camp, Clemens put together a quietly strong spring, slashing .304/.333/.548 with a couple of homers and a handful of solid at-bats in tight spots. He looked comfortable, confident, and most importantly, like a guy who’s already been in a big-league dugout.

Kody Clemens 2-Run Bomb 💣

Phillies briefly lost their lead then Kody Clemens took it right back with a two-run home run @Cherry_Pins pic.twitter.com/fBaKfsyakO

— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) September 4, 2024

Buddy Kennedy showed flashes—he popped three homers—but the bat never really caught up.

A .171 average won’t get it done when your roster spot is hanging by a thread. The Phillies gave him a long look, even had him working more in the outfield to boost his value, but in the end, production talks.

The Phillies will reportedly try to move Kennedy before Thursday’s roster deadline. If no deal comes through, he’s likely headed for assignment.

It’s a tough break for Kennedy, but this is life on the bubble. Clemens isn’t a game-changer, but he’s versatile, has a little thump, and doesn’t flinch in a big-league clubhouse. In a 162-game grind, that’s worth more than spring training stat-padding.

Opening Day is Thursday in Washington D.C., and the Phillies’ bench is set. Clemens will ride with the club, and barring anything weird, the roster’s now basically locked in. The only minor question mark is Matt Strahm’s health, but all signs point to him being ready.

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The Hunt for Red October is back. This wasn’t some dramatic, edge-of-your-seat decision. Clemens showed up, produced, and reminded the team he can fill a role.

Simple as that.

Phillies Opening Day Roster:

Starting Pitchers

• Zack Wheeler
• Jesus Luzardo
• Aaron Nola
• Cristopher Sanchez
• Taijuan Walker

Relief Pitchers

• Matt Strahm
• Jordan Romano
• Orion Kerkering
• Jose Alvarado
• Joe Ross
• Jose Ruiz
• Carlos Hernandez
• Tanner Banks

Infielders/DH

• Kyle Schwarber
• JT Realmuto
• Bryce Harper
• Bryson Stott
• Trea Turner
• Alec Bohm

Outfielders

• Max Kepler
• Brandon Marsh
• Nick Castellanos

Bench

• Rafael Marchan
• Edmundo Sosa
• Johan Rojas
• Kody Clemens

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