The Phillies have optioned catcher Garrett Stubbs to Triple-A Lehigh Valley, according to the club. The move comes as no surprise and means Rafael Marchan will start 2025 as the team’s backup catcher.
Stubbs has an option left. Marchan doesn’t. That’s the main reason behind the transaction.
Catching depth is thin within the Phillies organization. This move gives the organization the ability to retain both Stubbs and Marchan. Had Marchan been optioned, he would’ve been subject to waivers, meaning another team could’ve picked him up.
Stubbs has been the Phillies’ backup catcher for the last three years, appearing in 141 games. On the field, his defense has been better than his offense. His off-field presence may have been more important. Stubbs often took on an important role, helping scout and put together game plans for the pitching staff.
Marchan will now have a chance to show if he can be a reliable backup catcher in the majors. He has a long history of injuries. But when healthy, he’s solid behind the dish. With his bat, he’s been better in the majors (.811 OPS) than in the minors (.676 OPS). His strong offensive performance in the big leagues is in a small sample of 121 plate appearances.
