Spring training has officially begun for the Philadelphia Phillies, with pitchers and catchers reporting to the Carpenter Complex in Clearwater, Florida. Full-squad workouts are set to start on Feb. 17, as the team gears up for the 2025 season. The Phillies will play their first spring training game on Feb. 22 against the Detroit Tigers.
As the team prepares for Opening Day, several roster battles will unfold, particularly for backup positions. Some unexpected players could make the final roster, but there are also potential setbacks that could negatively impact the team.
Three Worst-Case Scenarios the Phillies Must Avoid in 2025
Taijuan Walker Reclaims a Spot in the Starting Rotation
Taijuan Walker struggled significantly in 2024, dealing with injuries and poor performances that led to his removal from the starting rotation. He was eventually moved to the bullpen and did not pitch in the postseason for the second consecutive year.
Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski made it clear last October that Walker would have to earn his place in the rotation this spring. However, the addition of Jesús Luzardo from the Marlins in December solidified the starting five, making Walker an unlikely candidate.
Top prospect Andrew Painter is also expected to make his MLB debut this summer, providing another rotation option. If the team remains healthy, Walker faces an uphill battle to prove he can be a reliable starter. Joe Ross, a reliever with spot-starting experience, may have a better chance of filling in should injuries arise early in the season.
For the Phillies, avoiding injuries to their starting pitchers is crucial. Competing against the Braves and Mets in the NL East, they can’t afford a slow start.
Max Kepler Struggles as an Everyday Outfielder
The Phillies opted not to spend big on a top free-agent outfielder this offseason due to luxury tax penalties. Instead, they signed Max Kepler to a one-year deal, expecting him to play left field. However, Kepler hasn’t played the position since 2015 in the minor leagues. Over his 10 seasons with the Twins, he primarily played center and right field, meaning he may need time to adjust to his new role.
Another concern is Kepler’s health. Knee injuries limited him to just 105 games in 2024, and durability remains a question mark. While the team has some flexibility with outfielders Brandon Marsh, Johan Rojas, and Weston Wilson, Kepler’s ability to stay healthy and contribute offensively is key.
Kepler also needs to rebound at the plate. After a strong 2023 season with 24 home runs and 66 RBIs, his production dropped significantly last year, finishing with just eight homers and 42 RBIs. His barrel rate and hard-hit rate also declined sharply. The Phillies need him to return to his 2023 form to provide consistent offensive production.
Garrett Stubbs Wins the Backup Catcher Job Over Rafael Marchán
The battle for the backup catcher spot behind J.T. Realmuto is set to be an important one. Garrett Stubbs has struggled offensively over the past two seasons, with his OPS dropping to .557 in 2023 and .558 in 2024. His batting average and slugging percentages have also declined since his impressive 2022 campaign.
Meanwhile, Rafael Marchán, who posted an .894 OPS in limited action last season, presents a stronger offensive option. However, durability has been an issue for Marchán, as he has dealt with multiple injuries in recent years.
A key factor in this decision is that Marchán is out of minor league options, meaning the Phillies would have to place him on waivers if they wanted to send him down. Stubbs, on the other hand, has one remaining option. If Marchán stays healthy and performs well, he could provide an upgrade over Stubbs, giving the Phillies more depth behind Realmuto.
Ultimately, Philadelphia’s success in 2025 will depend on staying healthy and avoiding these nightmare scenarios. A strong spring training and a solid start to the regular season will be crucial in their push for another postseason run.