As the Grapefruit League kicks off this weekend, the Philadelphia Phillies are gearing up for a competitive spring training at their Clearwater camp. With workouts concluding and games set to begin, several position battles are heating up, particularly for roster spots that remain unconfirmed.
This year’s camp features 30 non-roster invitees, including top prospects like Aidan Miller and Justin Crawford, who is anticipated to take over in center field. While the majority of the lineup and starting rotation are nearly finalized, including the expected absence of Zack Wheeler at the season’s start, the bench and bullpen spots are still very much up for grabs.
One of the key competitions to monitor is for the backup catcher position, pitting Rafael Marchán against Garrett Stubbs. Neither player is expected to be a significant offensive contributor, making the decision hinge largely on their defensive abilities and how well they can work with the pitching staff. Marchán has previously demonstrated his potential at the plate, evidenced by an impressive .894 OPS in 2024, along with strong defensive metrics, ranking in the 96th percentile for pop time. Stubbs, on the other hand, has more experience but has struggled with his batting average. Many believe Marchán will ultimately secure the spot.
Another critical battle is for the fourth bench spot, involving Johan Rojas, Dylan Moore, and Bryan De La Cruz. Each brings unique attributes to the table, with Rojas’ speed and defensive skills making him a valuable asset, especially if concerns arise about Crawford’s performance in center. Moore offers versatility across the diamond, while De La Cruz boasts a stronger offensive profile, highlighted by his past home run production. However, his inconsistencies at the plate remain a concern. Given the Phillies’ current roster needs, Rojas is projected to take this spot.
In the race for the long-relief pitcher role, Bryse Wilson and Yoniel Curet are vying for the spot left open by Wheeler’s injury. Wilson has experience as a swingman and could provide valuable insurance if he performs closer to his earlier seasons. Meanwhile, Curet, acquired during the Winter Meetings, showcases a talented fastball and strong strikeout numbers, albeit he would need to be stretched out in games. Wilson holds an edge due to his experience.
The bullpen also remains an area of competition, with several right-handers—including Jonathan Bowlan, Chase Shugart, and Zach Pop—among the contenders, alongside left-hander Kyle Backhus. Bowlan stands out with his exceptional pitching “stuff,” particularly his unbeaten four-seamer swing-and-miss rate. This blend of talent will make for a fascinating battle for the final spots, with predictions favoring Bowlan and Backhus to claim the roles.
As the Phillies prepare for the Grapefruit League, the upcoming weeks promise intense competition for roster spots, bringing both excitement and anticipation among fans eager for the upcoming season. Each player’s performance can impact the final decisions, shaping the Phillies’ path as they look to build on previous successes.