The Philadelphia Phillies received troubling injury news after promising prospect Keaton Anthony—who had been pushing for a spot on the Opening Day roster—suffered a significant setback.
The 24-year-old first baseman broke his foot during a Spring Training game on March 9 and is scheduled to undergo surgery later in the week, according to manager Rob Thomson.
The injury is a major disappointment for Anthony, especially after he impressed the coaching staff enough that the team began testing him in the outfield to create a possible path onto the roster.
Because of the injury, Anthony is now expected to return to the minor leagues once he recovers. He currently ranks as the No. 16 prospect in the Phillies’ farm system, according to FanGraphs.
The Phillies may soon have a roster opening due to an expected 80-game PED suspension for outfielder Johan Rojas.
Offseason addition Adolis García is projected to start in right field, while Brandon Marsh handles left field and top prospect Justin Crawford is anticipated to take over center field.
Since both Marsh and Crawford bat left-handed, the right-handed Rojas had been expected to fill a platoon role thanks to his defensive ability in center field.
Although Anthony had not yet recorded a hit during Spring Training, the Phillies’ decision to try him in the outfield indicated the organization was seriously considering placing him on the major league roster.
However, he has never played the outfield professionally, with his only experience there coming during his college days at the University of Iowa.
With Anthony likely sidelined from the competition for a right-handed bench outfielder role, the Phillies may instead rely on veteran utility players.
Otto Kemp and Edmundo Sosa—both primarily infielders—could see occasional time in left field when Marsh or Crawford rest. Meanwhile, Dylan Moore appears to be the leading candidate for the final roster spot, though Garrett Stubbs is also making a compelling case.
Anthony has been extremely productive in the minor leagues since signing as an undrafted free agent in 2023. He posted a .327 batting average in his first full professional season across Single-A, High-A, and Double-A, then continued to impress in 2025 with strong numbers including a 153 wRC+ before being promoted to Triple-A, where he batted .313 with Lehigh Valley.
However, his path to the majors at first base is complicated by the presence of star slugger Bryce Harper, who is under a long-term contract with the Phillies through 2031 after signing a 13-year, $330 million deal in 2019.
The designated hitter role is also occupied by Kyle Schwarber, who recently agreed to a five-year, $150 million extension. Because of that, the outfield may still represent Anthony’s most realistic opportunity to eventually break into the major league lineup once he returns to full health. ⚾
