Garrett Stubbs has been a catcher for much of his career, but that could change with the Philadelphia Phillies in 2026.
After re-signing JT Realmuto toward the end of the offseason, the Philadelphia Phillies have a slightly crowded catching group, with the former All-Star, Rafael Marchan, and Garrett Stubbs, all as viable options behind the plate.
Carrying three catchers could create more roster construction challenges down the line, or it could open up more opportunities if one of those players can be more than just a backstop on the field, and that appears to be what the plan could be for Stubbs.
Rob Thomson spoke to the media on Friday and said Philly is preparing for Stubbs to be a utility player in 2026, and that could be his path onto the Opening Day roster.
“We are getting [Stubbs] some infield work, some outfield work,” explained Philadelphia’s skipper. “There’s nothing that says he couldn’t be on the 26-man, and we carry three catchers.”
Apparently, this isn’t a new plan for the Phillies. Thomson said that he talked with Stubbs about the possibility of moving around the diamond at the start of Spring Training.
Feb 28, 2026; Dunedin, Florida, USA; Philadelphia Phillies catcher Garrett Stubbs (21) hits into a fielders choice in the third inning against the Toronto Blue Jays during spring training at TD Ballpark. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-Imagn ImagesStubbs actually has some prior big-league experience playing multiple positions, but it's been a while. When he came up with the Houston Astros back in 2019, Stubbs also got into some games as a left and right fielder as part of late-game substitutions.
It’s a similar story in the Minor Leagues, with the last time he played a position at Triple-A that wasn’t catcher being in 2021, where Stubbs appeared at second base for six games.
It’s definitely been a while since Stubbs has played in the outfield or in the infield, but his versatility could help the Phillies run out some more unique lineups and give some players much-needed days off.
That said, Stubbs’ versatility wouldn’t be about getting his bat into the lineup. He only had a .558 OPS in 164 at-bats in 2025, and that’s on par with his career average. Moving Stubbs around the field is strictly a defensive move and decision for the Phillies.
So far during Philadelphia’s Grapefruit League action, Stubbs has only appeared behind the plate and in one game as the team’s designated hitter. However, with the Phillies already giving him work in the outfield and infield, it likely won’t be long before he appears at one of these positions in a Spring Training game.
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