Spring training is officially underway for the Philadelphia Phillies, with pitchers and catchers already reporting to the Carpenter Complex in Clearwater, Florida. Full-squad workouts are set to begin on February 17 as the team starts its preparations for the 2025 regular season. The Phillies will kick off their spring training schedule with a matchup against the Detroit Tigers on February 22.

As the team gears up for the season, competition for backup roster spots will be a key focus. Some unexpected players may secure spots on the Opening Day roster, but spring training could also present challenges that impact the team’s success. Avoiding certain worst-case scenarios will be crucial for Philadelphia as it looks to contend in the National League East.

Three Scenarios the Phillies Must Avoid Before the 2025 Season

Taijuan Walker Returns to the Starting Rotation

Taijuan Walker endured a rough 2024 season, struggling with injuries and underperforming in the Phillies’ starting rotation. His struggles led manager Rob Thomson to move him to the bullpen, and he did not pitch in the postseason for the second consecutive year. Last October, Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski stated that Walker would need to earn his rotation spot in spring training.

However, the Phillies bolstered their pitching staff by acquiring Jesús Luzardo from the Miami Marlins in December. Luzardo is expected to be the fifth starter when the regular season begins. Additionally, top prospect Andrew Painter is projected to make his MLB debut in the summer, providing another starting option if needed. If the rest of the rotation remains healthy, the Phillies will have six viable starters, making Walker’s path back to the rotation even more difficult.

Walker faces significant competition, and reliever Joe Ross could be ahead of him in line for spot starts if an injury occurs early in the season. If multiple injuries strike the Phillies’ rotation, it could put them in a difficult position, especially as they aim to compete with the Atlanta Braves and New York Mets for the division title and a playoff berth. A slow start due to instability in the rotation could be costly.

Max Kepler Struggles as a Starting Outfielder

The Phillies opted against signing a high-profile free agent to a long-term deal this offseason due to the financial penalties that would come with exceeding luxury tax thresholds. As a result, the team’s outfield depth remains a concern heading into spring training. To address this, Philadelphia signed Max Kepler to a one-year contract, expecting him to take over as the primary left fielder.

However, Kepler has not played left field since 2015 when he was still in the minor leagues. Over his 10-year career with the Minnesota Twins, he primarily played right field and occasionally manned center. Adjusting back to left field in spring training could be challenging. More concerning is his durability—knee injuries limited him to just 105 games last season.

Nick Castellanos played in every regular-season game in 2024 but may need occasional rest in 2025. Meanwhile, center field will likely be a platoon between Brandon Marsh and Johan Rojas, with Kepler and Marsh potentially sharing time in left. Weston Wilson is a versatile option who can play both the infield and outfield, but he remains unproven as a long-term starter. Kyle Schwarber has fully transitioned to the designated hitter role.

Kepler must also improve his offensive production. According to MLB.com’s Thomas Harrigan, his barrel rate and hard-hit rate both declined significantly from 2023 to 2024. His barrel rate dropped from 12.2% to 6.2%, while his hard-hit rate fell from 47.9% to 36.8%. After hitting 24 home runs with 66 RBIs in 2023, he managed just eight homers and 42 RBIs in 2024. If Kepler cannot regain his 2023 form, the Phillies will be left searching for more consistency in their outfield.

Garrett Stubbs Wins the Backup Catcher Job Over Rafael Marchán

The Phillies will have a competition for the backup catcher role behind J.T. Realmuto. Garrett Stubbs and Rafael Marchán are the two candidates vying for the spot, with Stubbs’ recent offensive struggles making the decision more complex.

Stubbs posted an impressive .812 OPS in 2022, but his production has declined sharply over the last two seasons. His OPS dropped to .557 in 2023 and only slightly improved to .558 in 2024. Meanwhile, Marchán recorded a .894 OPS in 17 games last year, showing promise as a potential offensive upgrade at the backup catcher position.

Stubbs finished 2022 with a .264/.350/.462 slash line, but those numbers plummeted to .204/.274/.283 in 2023 and .207/.296/.262 in 2024. Though he has more MLB experience than Marchán, the 25-year-old Venezuelan appears to offer more offensive upside.

A key factor in this competition is roster flexibility. Marchán is out of minor league options, meaning he would need to clear waivers if the Phillies attempt to send him down. In contrast, Stubbs still has one option remaining, making it easier for the team to keep both catchers within the organization.

However, Marchán’s durability is a major concern. He has struggled with injuries in recent years, particularly during his time in Philadelphia’s minor league system. If he cannot stay healthy, Stubbs may retain his role as the backup catcher, even if he offers less offensive potential.

Looking Ahead

The Phillies have high expectations for the 2025 season, but avoiding these worst-case scenarios will be crucial. If Walker reclaims a rotation spot despite his struggles, Kepler fails to produce offensively, or Stubbs wins the backup catcher job despite his decline at the plate, the team could face significant setbacks early in the season. With strong competition in the NL East, Philadelphia must make the right roster decisions in spring training to position itself for success.