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Phillies Option Beloved Backup Catcher to Minor Leagues

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Matthew Sullivan | Last updated Mar 20, 2025 12:00 PM ET

The Philadelphia Phillies had a tough decision to make as Spring Training was coming to a close and Opening Day approached. That decision revolved around the Phillies' backup catcher spot, and now that decision has been made.

According to Matt Gelb of The Athletic , the Phillies have optioned catcher Garrett Stubbs to Triple A. Rafael Marchán will now be the Phillies' backup catcher to start the season.

In 2025 Spring Training, Stubbs hit for a .286 average in 21 at-bats and drove in four runs. He has been the Phillies' backup catcher since 2022 when he became known as the clubhouse DJ.

Across the three years with the Phillies, Stubbs has a .222 batting average and a .628 OPS. In 2024, Stubbs had 164 at-bats and hit for a .207 average with one home run, 11 runs batted in, and five stolen bases.

With the decision to option Stubbs, the Phillies now look to Marchán to be the backup catcher. He's had some sporadic Major League experience, but in 2025 he will have the chance to be the backup to JT Realmuto.

In Spring Training, Marchán had a .250 batting average in 24 at-bats, with three runs batted in. During the 2024 season, Marchán hit an impressive .294 batting average with three home runs and six runs batted in, along with a .894 OPS in 51 at-bats.

With Realmuto getting older, and the Phillies expressing their desire to keep him healthy, Marchán's role is an important one. The Phillies' backup catcher will see plenty of action, and Marchán has earned the spot in his age-26 season.

Stubbs will be with the Phillies Triple-A affiliate, the Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs. The iconic, and beloved Phillies backup catcher will start the 2025 season in the Minor Leagues.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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