The Philadelphia Phillies have officially revealed their list of non-roster invitees for spring training ahead of the 2026 season, giving fans an early look at the organization’s depth and future options. Altogether, the club has extended invitations to 28 players who are not currently included on the team’s 40-man roster.
These players will join the major league camp with the opportunity to compete alongside established big leaguers, either to push for a roster spot or to gain valuable experience at the highest level of the organization.
The group of invitees is made up of 19 position players and nine pitchers, offering a fairly balanced mix between hitters and arms.
Several of these players are regarded as some of the top prospects within the Phillies’ farm system, while others are veterans or organizational depth pieces hoping to impress the coaching staff and earn a role with the major league club. Spring training often serves as a proving ground, and for many of these non-roster players, strong performances could lead to meaningful opportunities later in the season.
Competition is expected to be particularly intense in the bullpen. The Phillies have multiple relief roles that are not fully settled, and those battles will feature a blend of pitchers who are already on the 40-man roster as well as non-roster invitees trying to break through.
This setup allows the coaching staff to evaluate a wide range of options, compare internal candidates, and determine which arms are best suited to handle high-leverage or middle-relief roles once the regular season begins. Historically, the Phillies have not hesitated to reward strong spring performances, even from players who enter camp without roster protection.
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At present, the Phillies’ 40-man roster is completely full, which complicates the path for any non-roster invitee hoping to make the Opening Day roster. That reality means that, for a player outside the 40-man group to earn a spot, the team would need to make a corresponding move—such as a trade, release, or designation for assignment—to create room. This dynamic adds another layer of intrigue to spring training, as roster decisions behind the scenes could be influenced by standout performances on the field.
One notable situation to monitor involves outfielder Nick Castellanos. There is a growing expectation around the league that Castellanos could be traded or released at some point, which would free up a valuable 40-man roster spot.
If that move materializes, it could open the door for one of the organization’s most promising young players Justin Crawford. Widely viewed as a cornerstone of the Phillies’ future, Crawford is expected to take over as the team’s everyday center fielder beginning in 2026 and potentially hold that role for years to come.
Crawford’s anticipated arrival highlights how spring training serves not only as preparation for the upcoming season but also as a preview of what lies ahead for the franchise.
While veterans focus on fine-tuning their games and staying healthy, prospects like Crawford use the opportunity to acclimate to the major league environment, face top-level competition, and demonstrate that they are ready for the next step. Even if some non-roster invitees do not break camp with the Phillies, their performance can shape organizational decisions throughout the year.
Overall, the Phillies’ list of 2026 spring training non-roster invitees reflects a blend of immediate competition and long-term planning.
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With a full 40-man roster, unsettled bullpen roles, and the potential for significant roster movement, spring training is set to be a crucial period for evaluating talent and determining how the team’s roster will evolve. For prospects, veterans, and fans alike, the coming weeks will offer important clues about the direction of the Phillies both in 2026 and beyond.
Phillies Announce Non-Roster Invitees To Spring Training
Notable Prospects Who Might Play A Role In 2026
Although he is not currently part of the Philadelphia Phillies’ 40-man roster, Crawford has received a non-roster invitation to participate in spring training. This designation is largely procedural and not an indication of his long-term standing with the organization. At some point, it is expected that the Phillies will formally add him to the 40-man roster, as he is viewed as a significant piece of their plans moving forward.
Barring any unexpected developments—such as an injury, a sudden decline in performance, or an unforeseen roster move—Crawford is widely projected to be one of the Phillies’ starting outfielders when Opening Day arrives. The organization appears confident in his readiness and anticipates that he will play a meaningful role from the very start of the regular season.
Crawford’s situation is not unique this spring, as Aidan Miller has also been brought in as a non-roster invitee for a second consecutive year. While Miller is not guaranteed a spot on the Opening Day roster, his invitation signals that the Phillies remain intrigued by his potential and want to continue evaluating his development against major league–level competition.
There is a realistic possibility that Miller could see time in the big leagues at some point during the upcoming season, especially if injuries arise or roster needs change as the year progresses.
One factor working in Miller’s favor is the Phillies’ relatively thin outfield depth. With limited established options beyond the projected starters, the organization may see value in exposing Miller to outfield work during spring training.
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Giving him repetitions at one of the three outfield positions could increase his versatility and better prepare him to contribute if the need arises during the regular season. This approach would allow the Phillies to explore whether Miller can handle an outfield role at the major league level while also keeping their options open as they shape the roster.
If Miller does receive outfield opportunities during spring training games, left field would likely be the position where he sees the most action. That spot often demands slightly less defensive responsibility compared to center field and can serve as a more natural transition point for players who are new to the outfield. Assigning Miller to left field would allow the Phillies to evaluate his instincts, range, and comfort level without overwhelming him defensively.
Historically, Miller has spent his time in the minor leagues as a shortstop and has not logged game experience at other infield positions or in the outfield. As a result, any move to the outfield would represent a significant adjustment. However, spring training provides an ideal environment for experimentation, instruction, and learning. By testing Miller’s adaptability now, the Phillies can gain valuable insight into his long-term positional flexibility and better determine how he fits into their future plans, both this season and beyond.
Additional Prospects To Watch
Although none of them are projected to break camp with the major league club this season, Aroon Escobar, Keaton Anthony, and Dante Nori each enter the year with an opportunity to turn heads and strengthen their standing within the organization. All three players represent different stages of development, but their recent performances suggest they are worth monitoring closely as potential contributors down the line.
Escobar stands out as one of the Phillies’ most highly regarded young infielders. He is currently ranked as the organization’s No. 2 infield prospect, trailing only Miller in that category. Known for his advanced skill set and steady progression through the system, Escobar continues to draw attention from evaluators who believe his overall game could eventually translate well to the major league level. While he may still need additional seasoning, his pedigree and upside make him a player who could force his way into future roster conversations if his development continues on its current path.
In the outfield, Dante Nori holds a similarly impressive position within the farm system. He is ranked as the Phillies’ second-best outfield prospect, sitting just behind Crawford. Nori’s athleticism and potential have made him a notable name among the organization’s young talents.
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Although he is not expected to see major league action this year, strong performances could accelerate his timeline and elevate his profile even further. For now, he remains a developmental piece with considerable upside, and the upcoming season will be important in determining how quickly he can move closer to the big leagues.
Keaton Anthony, meanwhile, occupies a slightly different category. Entering his age-25 season, Anthony is coming off what was arguably a breakout campaign in 2025. While he is not considered a traditional prospect, largely due to his age and path through the system, he also has yet to log any major league experience.
Last season, Anthony posted an impressive slash line of .323/.378/.484, adding six home runs and 39 runs batted in. His production was particularly notable given that injuries limited him to just 82 games, preventing him from compiling even larger counting stats.
Beyond the surface numbers, Anthony’s advanced metrics further highlight how productive he was when on the field. He recorded a 138 wRC+, indicating he was well above league average offensively. Additionally, he posted a career-high .402 batting average on balls in play, a figure achieved while splitting time between Double-A and Triple-A. If Anthony can stay healthy and replicate that level of performance, he could quickly emerge as a legitimate depth option and a potential late bloomer within the organization.
Collectively, Escobar, Anthony, and Nori may not be immediate roster solutions, but each brings intrigue and upside that could shape future decisions for the Phillies.
Other Players Who Could Make The Team
This spring, the Phillies have invited several non-roster players to camp who bring prior major league experience, giving them an opportunity to make the team if they impress during spring training. Among position players, Bryan De La Cruz stands out after a strong performance in the Dominican Winter League, where he showcased his hitting ability and consistency. De La Cruz could emerge as a valuable right-handed option in a potential left-field platoon, providing depth and flexibility.
Although the Phillies remain confident in Otto Kemp’s abilities, a standout showing from De La Cruz could force the organization to reconsider their plans and carve out a role for him on the Opening Day roster. His presence adds a competitive element to the left field position, which could benefit the team in terms of matchups and lineup versatility.
On the pitching side, there is a crowded field of non-roster invitees looking to secure a place in the bullpen. Bryse Wilson, Génesis Cabrera, Jonathan Hernández, Trevor Richards, Tucker Davidson, and Tim Mayza all bring a mix of major league experience and potential, and any of them could compete effectively for one of the limited openings.
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With two or three bullpen spots likely available, the competition is expected to be intense. The team’s bullpen depth is a critical component of the Phillies’ plans for the season, and the front office is carefully evaluating each candidate to determine who fits best with the overall roster structure and strategic approach.
Zach McCambley, acquired through the Rule 5 Draft, represents another potential piece for the bullpen. If he performs well and earns a spot, it would leave fewer openings for other hopefuls, likely reducing the available slots to two.
This dynamic increases the stakes for the remaining non-roster pitchers, as each appearance and each inning thrown in spring training could directly impact their chances of making the major league roster. With multiple pitchers vying for a limited number of roles, the Phillies’ coaching staff will need to assess not only raw talent but also consistency, adaptability, and readiness to contribute immediately at the major league level.
Overall, this group of non-roster invitees adds both competition and potential to the Phillies’ spring training environment. The players bring a mix of experience, recent success, and upside, which could translate into meaningful contributions during the season. Whether it’s a veteran who impresses in limited opportunities or a young arm that seizes the moment, these players will play a key role in shaping the final roster.
Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see which non-roster invitees emerge as serious contenders, particularly in the bullpen and in positions where platoon options can give the team a strategic advantage. The combination of talent, opportunity, and competition makes this a spring training worth following closely for the Phillies organization.
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