The Philadelphia Phillies have reassigned veteran catcher to the Triple-A Lehigh Valley IronPigs, cementing Rafael Marchán as the primary backup to starting catcher J.T. Realmuto for the 2025 season.
Stubbs, 31, has been with the Phillies since being acquired from the Houston Astros in November 2021. Recognized for his defensive skills, he maintained a 41% caught-stealing rate before joining Philadelphia. Throughout his time with the team, he made meaningful contributions both on and off the field, earning the Phillies’ Heart and Hustle Award nomination in 2023.
During the 2024 season, Stubbs played in 52 games, posting a .207/.296/.262 batting line over 164 at-bats while stealing five bases without being caught. Defensively, he remained strong, recording a pop time to second base of 1.88 seconds—fourth-best in Major League Baseball among catchers with at least 20 attempts.
The Phillies’ decision to send Stubbs to Triple-A was driven by roster constraints. With one minor league option remaining, he could be reassigned without going through waivers. In contrast, Marchán, who is out of minor league options, would have had to clear waivers if demoted, increasing the risk of losing him to another team.
This move highlights the Phillies’ strategic roster management, balancing depth at the catcher position while navigating player options and waiver rules. Stubbs’ experience and defensive abilities remain valuable, and his presence in Triple-A ensures the team has a dependable option if needed during the season.
As the Phillies head into the new season, Marchán will take on a more significant role as the primary backup catcher, while Stubbs stays ready for a potential return to the big-league roster.