Phillies Face Tough Roster Decision Between Two Catchers

Veteran Garrett Stubbs and younger Rafael Marchan battle for final roster spot

Mar. 16, 2026 at 8:21pm

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The Philadelphia Phillies are facing a difficult decision ahead of Opening Day as they must choose between veteran catcher Garrett Stubbs and younger backstop Rafael Marchan for the final roster spot. Both players are out of minor-league options, meaning the Phillies risk losing whichever player doesn't make the team.

Why it matters

The Phillies' decision will have significant implications, as they could lose a valuable player if they don't keep both Stubbs and Marchan on the roster. Stubbs has been a reliable veteran presence, while Marchan has more upside, making this a tough call for the team.

The details

Stubbs signed a split contract with the Phillies, meaning he will be paid $925,000 in the big leagues or $575,000 in Triple-A. If Stubbs doesn't make the Opening Day roster and clears outright waivers, he can accept the outright assignment or elect free agency, but if he elects free agency, he forfeits the contract that guarantees him a relatively significant Minor League salary.

  • The Phillies must make their final roster decisions before Opening Day.

The players

Garrett Stubbs

A veteran catcher for the Philadelphia Phillies who has been a reliable presence in the clubhouse.

Rafael Marchan

A younger catcher for the Philadelphia Phillies who has more upside than Stubbs.

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What they’re saying

“It's Marchán vs. Garrett Stubbs. Both are out of options, so the Phillies could lose the catcher who doesn't make the team.”

— Todd Zolecki, MLB.com reporter

What’s next

The Phillies will need to make their final roster decision before Opening Day, which could result in them losing one of the two catchers if they don't keep both on the team.

The takeaway

The Phillies' decision between Garrett Stubbs and Rafael Marchan highlights the difficult roster choices teams face when players are out of minor-league options. The team must weigh the veteran presence of Stubbs against the upside of the younger Marchan, with the risk of losing one of them if they don't make the final roster.