The Philadelphia Phillies are currently facing an unexpected roster decision following the suspension of outfielder Johan Rojas for violating Major League Baseball’s performance-enhancing drug policy. The absence of Rojas has created an opening on the roster that the club must now address as they continue preparing their lineup and bench configuration. What initially appeared to be a relatively straightforward roster spot has quickly turned into a competitive situation involving several veteran players hoping to secure a place on the team.
Before the suspension was announced, Rojas had been widely expected to fill one of the Phillies’ outfield roles and serve as a key contributor to the club’s defensive alignment. Known for his elite speed and defensive ability in center field, Rojas had carved out a niche for himself as a valuable glove-first player who could also contribute on the bases. His suspension, however, has temporarily removed him from the team’s plans and forced the organization to reconsider how it will structure the final spots on the roster.
With Rojas unavailable, the Phillies now find themselves evaluating multiple candidates who could step into the final roster spot. Several experienced players are competing for the opportunity, each bringing different strengths and positional versatility to the table. The competition has intensified as the coaching staff looks for the best combination of depth, flexibility, and reliability to round out the team’s roster.
Amid this evaluation process, manager Rob Thomson recently revealed an intriguing development that could reshape the battle for the final roster position. According to reporting from Charlotte Varnes of The Athletic, catcher Garrett Stubbs has begun working out at multiple positions outside of his usual role behind the plate. This experimentation suggests that the Phillies may be exploring creative solutions to maintain roster flexibility while filling the void created by Rojas’ suspension.
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Stubbs, who has traditionally served as a backup catcher, is now reportedly receiving practice time at several different defensive positions. Among the areas where he has been getting reps are first base, left field, and third base. The move reflects the team’s willingness to test whether Stubbs can expand his defensive skill set and potentially contribute in ways that go beyond catching duties.
Manager Thomson did not dismiss the possibility that Stubbs could earn the final roster spot through this newfound versatility. In fact, he indicated that the idea is very much under consideration within the organization. Thomson explained that there is no rule preventing the team from carrying three catchers on the roster if it ultimately proves to be the most practical arrangement. If that scenario unfolds, Stubbs could fill the role of the 26th player while also providing emergency depth at several positions across the field.
Thomson’s comments highlight the Phillies’ emphasis on flexibility as they finalize their roster decisions. In today’s game, having players capable of covering multiple positions can be extremely valuable, particularly when injuries, suspensions, or other unforeseen circumstances arise during the season. A player like Stubbs, who could theoretically step in at catcher while also offering occasional coverage in the infield or outfield, would give the Phillies additional strategic options.
Although Stubbs has reportedly been working at three different defensive spots, the outfield may present the most immediate opportunity for him. With Rojas suspended and the team needing additional depth in the outfield, left field appears to be the most logical place for Stubbs to potentially contribute. If he proves capable of handling the position defensively, even in a limited capacity, it could significantly improve his chances of making the roster.
Transitioning to a new position is never easy, especially at the major league level, where defensive mistakes can quickly become costly. However, players throughout baseball have occasionally reinvented themselves by embracing new roles when their teams needed them to adapt. For Stubbs, the willingness to explore unfamiliar territory on the field demonstrates both his work ethic and his commitment to helping the team in whatever way possible.
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The Phillies’ coaching staff will likely continue to evaluate Stubbs closely during workouts and exhibition games as they determine whether his defensive versatility is sufficient to justify carrying him in that expanded role. At the same time, the other veterans competing for the final roster spot will continue to make their own cases with their performances.
Ultimately, the decision will come down to what combination of skills the Phillies believe best supports the overall roster. Whether they prioritize traditional positional depth, offensive potential, defensive versatility, or a balance of all three factors will shape how the final spot is filled.
For now, the competition remains open, and Stubbs’ unexpected experiment with multiple positions has added a fascinating wrinkle to the Phillies’ roster puzzle. If he proves capable of handling duties beyond catching, he could emerge as a surprising but practical solution for the team as they navigate the absence of Rojas and finalize their lineup heading into the upcoming stretch of the season. ⚾
What Would Stubbs Bring to the Philadelphia Phillies’ Roster?
The Houston Astros selected Garrett Stubbs in the eighth round of the 2015 MLB Draft after his collegiate career at the University of Southern California. Like many players chosen outside the early rounds, Stubbs spent several years developing in the minor leagues before eventually earning his opportunity in the major leagues.
His long journey through the farm system culminated in his debut during the 2019 season, when he first appeared at the highest level of professional baseball. By the following year, the 2020 campaign, he had accumulated enough playing time to exceed his rookie eligibility limits.
During his time with Houston, Stubbs was used primarily behind the plate, but the team also experimented with his defensive versatility. In total, he appeared in 12 games in the outfield while still a member of the Astros organization. Although that sample size was small, it demonstrated that the club was willing to test his athleticism and adaptability in different defensive roles. That experience could prove useful later in his career, especially if a team looks to utilize him as a multi-position player off the bench.
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Despite those experiments, Stubbs’ overall opportunities with Houston were limited. Over the course of his tenure with the Astros, he appeared in just 51 major league games. With the team already possessing established depth at the catcher position, it became difficult for Stubbs to secure a consistent role. As a result, following the 2021 season, the Astros decided to move on and traded him to the Philadelphia Phillies, giving him a chance to find more regular playing time elsewhere.
Since arriving in Philadelphia, Stubbs has logged the majority of his big league appearances. Of the 197 games he has played in the majors during his career, 146 have come while wearing a Phillies uniform. Across parts of seven seasons in Major League Baseball, Stubbs has posted modest offensive numbers. His career totals include seven home runs, accompanied by a slash line of .215 batting average, .293 on-base percentage, and .310 slugging percentage. Those numbers suggest that offense has not been the primary strength of his game, though he has occasionally shown flashes of productivity.
One of the brighter moments of Stubbs’ career came during the 2022 season with Philadelphia. In that campaign, he looked capable of serving as a reliable backup catcher. Over 46 games, he compiled a solid .264 batting average and added five home runs, providing the Phillies with valuable depth behind the plate. His ability to contribute offensively in limited opportunities helped make him a useful option when the team needed someone to spell the starting catcher.
Unfortunately for Stubbs, sustaining that level of offensive performance proved difficult in the seasons that followed. From 2023 through 2025, his numbers declined significantly. Over a combined 100 games during that span, he managed to hit only two home runs. His batting average during those seasons hovered around what is commonly referred to as the Mendoza Line—roughly a .200 average—often considered a benchmark for struggling hitters. As a result, his offensive contributions became increasingly limited.
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His reduced production coincided with fewer opportunities as well. During the most recent season, Stubbs appeared in just five games, the smallest number of games he has played in a single year since making his major league debut. Such limited playing time can make it difficult for any player to establish rhythm at the plate or maintain consistency, but it also reflects the competition for roster spots and playing time within a major league club.
Even with his offensive struggles, Stubbs still possesses certain athletic traits that stand out—particularly for someone who primarily plays catcher, a position not typically associated with speed. According to data from Baseball Savant, Stubbs ranks in the 67th percentile in sprint speed. That level of quickness is above average compared to other players across the league and is especially notable for a catcher, who generally carries a heavier physical workload and is not expected to be among the faster players on the field.
Because of that athletic ability, it raises the intriguing possibility that Stubbs could transition into a more versatile defensive role if necessary. His prior experience in the outfield, albeit limited, combined with his above-average speed suggests that he may have the physical tools required to handle occasional innings away from the catcher position. In modern baseball, versatility has become increasingly valuable, particularly for players fighting to secure a spot on the bench. Teams often favor players who can fill multiple roles, allowing managers to make more flexible in-game decisions.
As Stubbs prepares to enter his age-32 season, his future in the major leagues may depend largely on his ability to adapt and expand his skill set. While he may no longer project as a regular starter, there is still a potential path for him to remain a useful piece on a competitive roster. If he can demonstrate the ability to contribute defensively at multiple positions while also providing depth at catcher, he could become the type of versatile bench player that contending teams value highly.
In that role, Stubbs would not necessarily be relied upon for everyday production at the plate. Instead, his contributions could come through situational appearances, defensive flexibility, and the ability to step in when injuries or rest days create openings in the lineup. Players who can handle those responsibilities effectively often extend their careers by carving out specialized roles within their teams.
Ultimately, while Stubbs’ offensive numbers have declined in recent years, his athleticism and potential positional flexibility still offer reasons for optimism. If he can prove that he is capable of contributing both behind the plate and in the outfield when needed, he may continue to provide value as a depth option. For teams with postseason aspirations, having a dependable and adaptable bench player can make a meaningful difference over the course of a long season.
Where Would Stubbs Fit on the Roster?
The Philadelphia Phillies made it clear during the offseason that they intended to keep stability behind the plate when they re-signed All-Star catcher JT Realmuto to a three-year contract worth $45 million. Realmuto has long been one of the most reliable and well-rounded catchers in Major League Baseball, and bringing him back ensures that Philadelphia will continue to have a proven leader handling the pitching staff for the foreseeable future. His presence firmly secures the starting catcher role, which leaves the organization with decisions to make about the rest of the depth chart at the position.
At the moment, Rafael Marchan appears to be the frontrunner to claim the backup catcher job. Marchan’s defensive ability gives him a strong edge in that competition. Known for his quick release and strong fundamentals behind the plate, he has developed a reputation as a dependable defender who can control the running game effectively.
Advanced defensive metrics support that reputation as well. His caught-stealing above-average rating placed him in the 84th percentile among catchers, highlighting his effectiveness at limiting opponents who attempt to steal bases. In addition, his pop time — the speed with which a catcher receives the ball and throws to a base — ranked in the 96th percentile, making him one of the quickest catchers in the league in that regard.
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Marchan also brings versatility at the plate because he is a switch hitter. That ability gives the Phillies additional flexibility in lineup construction and late-game matchups, which is another factor working in his favor as the team finalizes its roster. When clubs evaluate backup catchers, they often prioritize defense, game management, and roster flexibility, all areas where Marchan has demonstrated strength.
Because of those factors, the Phillies may find it difficult to carry a third catcher on the active roster. In modern roster construction, most teams typically carry only two catchers on the 26-man roster. The third catcher is often kept at Triple-A as depth in case of injuries or unexpected circumstances. This roster reality creates a complicated situation for Garrett Stubbs, who has spent time as a catcher but may need to explore alternative ways to remain on the major league roster.
One possible route for Stubbs involves expanding his defensive role. Rather than strictly serving as a catcher, he has begun working out at other positions, including the outfield. Versatility can be extremely valuable on the bench, and the ability to fill multiple roles sometimes allows a player to stick on the roster even if he is not the primary option at his original position.
Looking at the Phillies’ projected outfield alignment, the team currently appears set with Brandon Marsh in left field, Justin Crawford in center field, and Adolis Garcia in right field. That group provides a combination of speed, power, and defensive coverage across the outfield. Crawford’s athleticism makes him a natural fit in center field, while Garcia’s arm strength is well suited for right field.
If Stubbs were to factor into the outfield mix, left field would likely be the most realistic position for him. Center field generally requires elite speed and range, traits that may not match Stubbs’ skill set. Right field also tends to demand a strong throwing arm to make long-distance throws to third base or home plate, another area where Stubbs may be at a disadvantage compared to traditional outfielders. Left field, by comparison, can sometimes accommodate players with less range or arm strength.
However, even that potential fit presents complications. Marsh, the current left fielder, bats from the left side. If the Phillies were seeking a platoon arrangement, they might prefer a right-handed hitter who can complement Marsh against left-handed pitching. Stubbs does not perfectly fit that role, which makes the roster puzzle more challenging.
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Additionally, Stubbs is not the only player competing for a spot on the bench. Two other players are also in the mix: utility player Dylan Moore and outfielder Bryan De La Cruz. Both bring different skill sets that could appeal to the Phillies as they shape the final roster.
Moore was recently added to the organization after being designated for assignment by the Seattle Mariners. His primary strength lies in his versatility. Over the course of his career, Moore has demonstrated the ability to play multiple infield and outfield positions, giving his team flexibility when injuries occur or when late-game substitutions are needed. Players who can cover several positions often become valuable bench pieces, particularly for teams that want to maintain roster flexibility throughout a long season.
Meanwhile, De La Cruz may offer the most experience among the players competing for an outfield role. Between 2021 and 2025, he appeared in 427 games as an outfielder, gaining substantial playing time at the major league level. That experience provides a level of familiarity with the demands of everyday outfield play.
Even so, De La Cruz’s offensive production has declined in recent seasons, which raises questions about his long-term role. Teams often look for bench players who can provide a spark offensively or contribute in situational hitting roles, and inconsistent production at the plate can make it difficult to secure a roster spot.
Despite those struggles, De La Cruz still offers a key advantage: defensive flexibility. Unlike some players who are limited to one outfield position, he has demonstrated the ability to play all three spots — left field, center field, and right field. That adaptability can be extremely valuable during the grind of a 162-game season, when injuries and rest days require constant lineup adjustments.
Given all of these factors, Stubbs appears to face an uphill battle in his effort to secure a place on the Phillies’ Opening Day roster. Even with the recent suspension of Johan Rojas creating temporary uncertainty in the outfield, there may not be a clear path for Stubbs to carve out a consistent role.
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Nevertheless, that does not mean he lacks value to the organization. Players like Stubbs often become crucial depth pieces over the course of a season. Injuries are inevitable in baseball, and teams frequently rely on players from the minor leagues to step into major league roles at a moment’s notice.
If Stubbs begins the season in the minors, he could still play an important role as a reliable call-up option. His familiarity with the pitching staff and experience at catcher could make him a logical choice if the Phillies suddenly need reinforcement behind the plate or additional roster flexibility during the year.
In that sense, even if he does not secure a spot on the Opening Day roster, Stubbs could remain an important part of the organization’s overall depth strategy. Over the course of a long season, opportunities often arise unexpectedly, and having a versatile player waiting in the wings can be an asset for any contender.
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