Baseball season is once again upon us. Philadelphia Phillies pitchers and catchers reported to spring training in Clearwater, Florida Feb. 12 and were joined by the rest of the squad Feb. 17. The roster has undergone few changes since another disappointing playoff exit last season. The most notable move may have been one that did not happen: the lack of an Alec Bohm trade. Even with a quiet offseason, there are many things worth tracking this spring. Here are three major storylines to keep an eye on as the Phillies begin their spring training schedule Feb. 22.
1. What happens with the outfield rotation?
The Phillies have struggled to establish a steady outfield rotation over the last few seasons due to a lack of depth. Nick Castellanos is unquestionably the starting right fielder, but finding players to start alongside him has been a challenge for manager Rob Thompson.
Brandon Marsh and Johan Rojas, both outstanding outfielders, primarily started alongside Castellanos the last two seasons. However, both are limited offensively. Marsh struggles against lefties, and Rojas is one of the worst hitters on the team. Thompson has tinkered with rotating both players out in the postseason to minimal success. The team acquired Austin Hays at the trade deadline last season to provide depth, but he struggled.
Now, the Phillies hope Max Kepler can fill out the rotation. Kepler slashed a .253 batting average, .302 on-base percentage and .380 slugging percentage last season with the Minnesota Twins, even while being limited by injuries. He hit 24 home runs in 2023, so he is a bounce-back candidate if he can stay healthy. Kepler has primarily played right field throughout his ten-year career in Minnesota, but Thompson will deploy him in different positions. Kepler bats left-handed, so either he or Marsh can platoon with Rojas and provide lineup versatility. The outfield bats must take a leap this year, as they have been the offensive weak spot in the Phillies’ last two failed playoff runs.
2. Who will be the backup catcher?
This is admittedly not the most exciting role on the team, but there will be a battle for it. J.T. Realmuto is 33 years old. The Phillies have indicated they want to give him more off days this year, which places more importance on the backup spot.
Garrett Stubbs, Realmuto’s backup for the last three seasons, has declined offensively over the last couple of years. Twenty-five-year-old Rafael Marchan played well in 17 appearances last season and has a chance to win the job. Marchan is younger than Stubbs but is out of minor league options. It is time for him to prove that he can stick in the majors.
3. Which prospects show flashes?
Most of the Phillies’ roster is set in stone, with only a few question marks around the bullpen and depth. The Phillies, therefore, may provide more opportunities to their prospects this spring.
Top prospect Andrew Painter is still recovering from ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction, more commonly known as Tommy John surgery, but other youngsters will get run. Aidan Miller, a first-round pick in 2023, was invited and will get to face high-level competition early in his young career. Twenty-one-year-old Justin Crawford played well across High-A and AA ball last season and earned an invite. Former top prospect Mick Abel struggled in AAA last year but will get a chance to win a big-league bullpen spot.
These guys represent the future of the franchise. Their development is key to extending this contention window and keeping the Phillies competitive for years to come.
