The Philadelphia Phillies will open the 2025 MLB season against the Washington Nationals. One of the most highly contested battles in spring training was for the final bench spot.
Several players were in the mix, especially after Weston Wilson sustained an oblique strain in February, sidelining him for at least six weeks.
As spring training concludes, the Phillies have made their choice. According to The Athletic’s Matt Gelb, Kody Clemens has secured the 26th roster spot for Opening Day.
Kody Clemens makes Phillies’ Opening Day roster, Buddy Kennedy’s future up in the air
Clemens earned his spot on the Opening Day roster after an impressive spring, hitting .327 with a .900 OPS, six extra-base hits, and seven RBIs in 55 at-bats.
Cal Stevenson and Christian Arroyo were among the finalists for the final bench spot, but the decision ultimately came down to Clemens and Buddy Kennedy.
Although Kennedy didn’t make the Opening Day roster, he may still have an opportunity elsewhere. Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski told The Athletic’s Matt Gelb that the team has received trade interest in Kennedy. If no trade materializes, he will be designated for assignment on Thursday.
The Phillies faced a tough decision between Clemens and Kennedy since both players were out of minor league options. That meant whoever didn’t make the roster—Kennedy, in this case—would be removed from the 40-man roster and placed on waivers. If unclaimed and not traded, the Phillies could either assign him to the minors or release him.
Clemens had an advantage over Kennedy due to his past experience with the team and his strong spring performance. The left-handed hitter has shown a knack for clutch moments, including an RBI double in Game 1 of the 2024 NLDS. His defensive versatility, being able to play multiple positions, further increased his value to the roster.
Kennedy, meanwhile, had his own big moments last season, including a game-tying RBI double against the Mets on Sept. 15 during the Phillies’ push for the NL East title. However, he struggled offensively, hitting just .150 in 40 at-bats this spring after going 2-for-11 in eight games with Philadelphia last season.