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The Phillies’ executive office’s plans for the next offseason have been the subject of much speculation. For weeks, rumors—which, to be fair, should not be taken too seriously—have been circulating. Right now, there is a noticeable need in the outfield and the bullpen.

Before next season begins, the front office will attempt to resolve an unseen position: backup catcher. It isn’t the starting position that matters most for any squad. However, having a decent one is crucial. There has been a greater focus on backup catcher in Philadelphia since J.T. Realmuto’s signing prior to the 2019 season, and that focus has only increased in light of the possibility that Realmuto may see less action in 2025.

The Phillies’ announcement on Friday that they had reached an agreement on a one-year contract with Garrett Stubbs brought some clarity to the position. He was considered a non-tender candidate despite spending the last three years as the team’s backup catcher.

Stubbs has no assurance of playing time in the majors next season. The Phillies clearly intend to keep him around as his signing indicates. During Spring Training, he will probably compete with others to be the team’s backup shortstop.

Dave Dombrowski, the president of baseball operations, did not name a backup catcher during his end-of-year press conference last month. “I believe we have individuals on staff who are competent in that area,” Dombrowski stated. However, I am unable to guarantee that they will be offered the position. While we investigate it this winter, we must maintain an open mind.

Rob Thomson, the manager, had a similar view after Dombrowski. Thomson stated, “We’ll put a plan together” on the workload for Realmuto in 2025. “And we have no idea who that backup is just yet.”

An internal option is Stubbs. There is also Rafael Marchan. Both are fraught with uncertainty.

Stubbs’ attack isn’t great. His.628 OPS is the result of three years spent with the Phillies. In 187 at-bats in 2024, he hit.222 with an OPS of.558. The catcher’s average OPS during the last season was.678.

Compared to Stubbs, Marchan’s offence has been more effective in the majors. In 56 appearances at bat in the major leagues in 2024, the switch-hitter had a.294/.345/.549 line. He has only played in a handful of major league games, yet his OPS is.811. The 25-year-old Marchan’s lifetime OPS in a bigger minor league sample is.611. Additionally, he has a long history of injuries.

Stubbs and Marchan are two rock-solid backstops. In terms of defence, we’ve been excellent. The defence of the internal candidates was met with Dombrowski’s unequivocal support.

“We like Marchan a lot; we think he’s a real good catcher, and he’s shown some offensive prowess also,” the seasoned executive said of Marchan.

Dombrowski also pointed out that the 25-year-old is out of minor league options. Considering that throughout the spring decision-making process is definitely possible. Stubbs is still within his options. Additionally, he is unable to resist demotion due to his short service history of fewer than five years.

The Phillies have high regard for Stubbs and Marchan. Next year, Realmuto will see the majority of the playing time. However, Realmuto should probably play less games as he gets older; he’ll be 34 in March. He would remain more energised all season long. After knee surgery in mid-June of 2024, Realmuto was out for just over a month.

With Realmuto seeing less action in 2025, the Phillies’ backup catcher could take centre stage. So yet, no one appears to be the clear favourite to fill that position. But the Phillies’ decision to retain Stubbs, despite his age of 31, demonstrates that they consider him a viable possibility.