The Philadelphia Phillies are facing a difficult roster decision following the PED suspension of outfielder Johan Rojas.
With the spot Rojas was expected to fill now open, several veteran players are competing for the final place on the team’s roster.
Manager Rob Thomson has also introduced an unexpected candidate into the competition.
According to reports, catcher Garrett Stubbs has begun training at multiple positions, including the infield and outfield.
Thomson even suggested that the team could keep three catchers on the roster, leaving open the possibility that Stubbs could secure the final spot as the 26th player.
Recently, Stubbs has taken reps at first base, third base, and left field, though the Phillies’ current need in the outfield could make left field his most realistic opportunity if he proves capable.
Originally drafted in the eighth round of the 2015 MLB Draft by the Houston Astros, Stubbs debuted in 2019 and later surpassed rookie eligibility in 2020.
During his time with Houston, he appeared in a dozen games in the outfield, which could help him adapt to a new role now. However, he played just 51 games with the Astros before being traded to Philadelphia after the 2021 season.
Across his major league career, Stubbs has appeared in 197 games—146 of them with Philadelphia—and has hit seven home runs while posting a .215/.293/.310 slash line.
His most productive stretch came in 2022, when he hit .264 with five home runs in 46 games as a backup catcher.
Since then, though, his offensive numbers have declined significantly, hitting only two home runs in 100 games between 2023 and 2025 while batting near the Mendoza line.
Last season was especially limited, as he appeared in just five games.
Despite those struggles, Stubbs offers some athleticism, ranking in the 67th percentile in sprint speed according to Baseball Savant—an impressive mark for a catcher. As he enters his age-32 season, the Phillies may see value in his versatility if he can successfully handle multiple positions.
The team’s catching situation is already crowded. J.T. Realmuto recently re-signed with Philadelphia on a three-year, $45 million contract and remains the starting catcher, while Rafael Marchan is the favorite for the backup role thanks to his defensive ability and switch-hitting bat.
Because most teams rarely carry three catchers on the 26-man roster, Stubbs’ chances likely depend on his ability to contribute elsewhere.
In the outfield, the Phillies currently project Brandon Marsh, Justin Crawford, and Adolis Garcia as their starters from left to right.
Stubbs is unlikely to play center or right due to arm strength and speed limitations, leaving left field as his most realistic option—though Marsh’s presence there complicates the fit since both are left-handed hitters.
Stubbs will also have competition for the final roster spot from utility player Dylan Moore, recently signed after being designated for assignment by the Seattle Mariners, and outfielder Bryan De La Cruz, who brings experience after playing 427 outfield games between 2021 and 2025.
Even though De La Cruz’s offensive production has dipped, his ability to cover all three outfield positions may give him an advantage.
Although Stubbs may not have a clear path to the roster, he could still provide valuable organizational depth if the Phillies need reinforcements due to injuries later in the season. ⚾
