Projecting The Phillies Opening Day Roster

Projecting Phillies Roster

Players listed in alphabetical order. 

Starting Pitchers

Jesús Luzardo, Aaron Nola, Andrew Painter, Cristopher Sánchez, Taijuan Walker

Luzardo recently signed a contract extension to remain with the Phillies long term. Meanwhile Walker will hold down the fifth rotation spot while Wheeler is on the injured list. Walker will presumably move to the bullpen once Wheeler is back. The ordering of the rotation is to be determined. Sánchez is most likely going to get the opening day nod. Phillies manager Rob Thomson will have to decide if he wants to split up the left-handed pitchers in the rotation order. Luzardo and Nola will likely be second and third in some order. Additionally Walker and Painter will likely be fourth and fifth in some order.

Relief Pitchers

José Alvarado, Kyle Backhus, Tanner Banks, Jonathan Bowlan, Jhoan Duran, Seth Johnson, Brad Keller, Zach McCambley

According to a report from Matt Gelb of The Athletic, Orion Kerkering is expected to start the season on the injured list. Kerkering has been dealing with a hamstring issue that has kept him out of Grapefruit League action. Five pitchers are locked into the bullpen. If Kerkering is healthy he would be the sixth locked into the bullpen. Backhus has had an outstanding spring training and deserves one of the open spots. This would also give the Phillies three left-handed relief pitchers. Johnson and McCambley benefit from injuries. McCambley cannot be optioned to the minor leagues. Backhus and Johnson can be optioned to the minors.

Catchers & Infielders

Alec Bohm, Bryce Harper, Rafael Marchán, Dylan Moore, J.T. Realmuto, Edmundo Sosa, Bryson Stott, Trea Turner 

This is a very straightforward part of the Phillies roster. Moore brings defensive versatility that will end up giving him a spot on the 26-man roster. Additionally Moore has an opt out coming up and the Phillies should add him to the 40-man roster. Beyond that the Phillies catching and infield group is identical to 2025. Furthermore Realmuto and Marchán will once again be the catching tandem. Harper, Stott, Turner and Bohm will be the starters. Sosa will once again be a utility infielder coming off the bench and potentially platooning with Stott at second base.

Outfielders & Designated Hitter

Justin Crawford, Adolis García, Otto Kemp, Brandon Marsh, Kyle Schwarber

This is another section of the Phillies roster that is easy to determine. Marsh and Kemp will be platooning in left field. Crawford will make his major league debut on opening day in center field. Meanwhile free agent addition García will start in right field. These are two of the notable changes compared to 2025. After re-signing in the offseason Schwarber will once again be the Phillies designated hitter. Moreover Schwarber will not play in the outfield much this season. In addition Moore could make some outfield appearances in addition to infield appearances.