While the Philadelphia Phillies debate ‘running it back’ for the upcoming season, one veteran is taking matters into his own hands, sending a desperate message to manager Rob Thomson that he refuses to be an afterthought.

Garrett Stubbs, the 32-year-old Phillies catcher, is spending his spring trying to expand his resume. To stay a part of the roster, he is practicing in the outfield and the infield to become more versatile before the season’s start. Stubbs is desperate for a place in the Phillies lineup, according to the Inquirer Sports.

“I’m willing to do anything to be on the team and in the lineup,” said Stubbs, per the Inquirer Sports’ Lochlahn March.

With J.T. Realmuto, Otto Kemp, and Edmundo Sosa on the Phillies roster, the only remaining position player spots are the backup catcher and the fourth bench job. Last year, the Phillies chose Rafael Marchán as the backup catcher and optioned Stubbs to Triple-A Lehigh Valley when faced with a choice between two.

But both Marchán and Stubbs are out of options this year, meaning neither player can be sent to the minor leagues without first being exposed to waivers, where any other team could claim them.

Stubbs signed a split-contract (one-year, $925,000 – pays $575,000 if he is in the minors and $925,000 in the majors) with the Phillies this offseason and could remain in the organization at Triple A even if Marchán wins the backup job again. Marchán is probably the more likely option to be claimed on waivers if he doesn’t make the team out of camp.

So, Stubbs is working more in the field so that he can have other ways to make it into the lineup. Rob Thomson brought Stubbs in as the third catcher last September when the rosters expanded. The skipper indicated that such a move could provide additional depth behind J.T. Realmuto and allow for more flexibility, such as using Realmuto as a designated hitter or pinch-hitter.

But this year, Thomson admitted, he has a difficult decision to make.

“He’s (Marchán) a switch-hitter. They both understand the role and play the role extremely well. And they both can catch and throw. Marchán has swung the bat very well, as has Stubby during this spring. So, it’s going to be a tough call when we come down to the end,” remarked Thomson.

Stubbs went 4 for 13 in five Spring Training games with a batting average of .308. Following his return from the WBC after playing for Israel, Stubbs scored a single against the Baltimore Orioles.

Thomson prefers a versatile player for the fourth bench position.

Now, the Phillies veteran started to work with infield coach Bobby Dickerson before the WBC. Over the last five years, Stubbs has reportedly taken reps in the outfield during batting practice, which helps him now.

“I’ve done it before, so I’m more than happy to if that’s what they want me to do,” he said.

His last appearance in left field was in 2023, when Bryce Harper returned from TJ surgery and played as a pinch hitter. In the 2023 WBC, he played at third base for Israel in one game.

Stubbs’ experience in the field is rare, but he is determined to get a place on the roster.

The Phillies are reportedly planning to start Stubbs in the outfield and at second or third base soon in Spring Training, according to Thomson. Now, it’s up to him to make it work and maybe even get some pointers from his Spring Training locker partner Dylan Moore if needed.

But as Opening Day approaches, the debate about the Phillies’ running it back continues.

The Phillies’ running it back debate 

The Phillies enjoyed regular-season success, winning 191 games over the last two seasons. But without a World Series title, it matters less. For the Phillies, ‘running it back’ has not translated to postseason success.

They have lost eight of their last 10 postseason games, and this year, they retain the same veteran core.

According to the New York Times, first baseman Bryce Harper, shortstop Trea Turner, outfielder Kyle Schwarber, and catcher J.T. Realmuto will all be 33 years old this season. But it’s not only about age.

It’s also about success, as this is the same core that lost to the Dodgers in four games during the 2025 NLDS (3-1).

The rotation also raises questions with Aaron Nola just returning from his ankle sprain in 2025. He even tried to overcompensate for the injury, resulting in poor mechanics and eventually, a rib injury. But coming from a disappointing season (1-7, 6.16 ERA), Nola seems confident as he is feeling “stronger.”

In fact, he did show a noticeable uptick in velocity while pitching for Team Italy in the World Baseball Classic, where he touched 94.5 mph.

Meanwhile, Zack Wheeler may not be ready for the 2026 season Opening Day, as he continues his recovery from venous thoracic outlet decompression surgery. The operation removed his first rib. And the reason for all these was a blood clot in his throwing shoulder that cut his 2025 season short.

When asked about the Phillies’ running it back, Thomson said in January, “We got three new relievers, a new right fielder, [Justin] Crawford’s gonna have every chance to play, probably got a rookie starting pitcher, we got Otto Kemp who wasn’t here at the start of last year. So, we’re turning over 20 to 25 percent of our roster. So, if you think that’s running it back… I don’t know what to tell you.”

The Phillies do have three new relievers, including Brad Keller on a two-year deal, who can take on the late innings as a right-handed option. Then, there are Kyle Backhus and Zach Pop on one-year deals.

Backhus can act as a specialized weapon against lefty hitters and as a bullpen option with a unique, low-angle “funky” delivery. He can limit hard contact, and held lefties to a .139 average in 2025. That means crucial bullpen depth.

And for Pop? His value lies in his sinker-heavy style, designed to create groundballs and reduce the reliance on strikeouts. He can fill a middle-relief role if he can grab a spot in Spring Training.

Additionally, Andrew Painter is expected to make his debut in 2026. But Painter and Crawford are rookies that the Phillies are counting on.