The Philadelphia Phillies have plenty to address this offseason, with holes in the outfield, bullpen, infield, and even at catcher and designated hitter.
With JT Realmuto entering free agency, catcher becomes an immediate priority. Rafael Marchan will be back for another year, but the backup spot behind him is far more uncertain.
According to Matt Gelb of The Athletic, however, the Phillies are bringing back backup catcher and popular clubhouse presence on a one-year deal, keeping him in Philadelphia for a fifth season.
Gelb reports, “The Phillies have agreed to a split contract with catcher Garrett Stubbs ahead of today’s 5 p.m. tender deadline. He’ll make $925K in the majors and $575K in the minors, per source.”
Despite being out of minor league options, Stubbs will return as part of the catching group next year. Just as in 2025, he’ll likely slot in as the third catcher behind Marchan and whoever the team brings in as the primary starter for 2026.
Stubbs appeared in only five games last season, logging just one plate appearance but scoring twice as a late-game pinch runner. At 32, he’s not expected to play a major role, but he remains a reliable depth option and a well-liked figure in the clubhouse.
Bringing back Stubbs on a sub-$1 million contract gives the Phillies some stability at the position, though Dave Dombrowski still has significant work ahead to fully rebuild the catcher room.