Apr 13, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Phillies catcher Garrett Stubbs (21) in a game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports Bill Streicher
Prior to Friday's non-tender deadline, the Phillies announced they had reached a deal with Garrett Stubbs for 2025. The details of that pact are now out, and guarantee the veteran very little.
According to Ronald Blum of The Associated Press, Stubbs signed a deal that will only pay him $450,000 if he's at Triple-A Lehigh Valley. It will pay him $925,000 if he's in the majors. Either way, Stubbs will make less than the $1.2 million he was projected to earn in arbitration by Matt Swartz of MLB Trade Rumors.
There were some Phillies fans disappointed Friday with the news that Stubbs wasn't non-tendered, because they were operating under the belief that him returning means he'll definitely be J.T. Realmuto's backup in 2025. That's not the case.
Garrett Stubbs and the Phillies reached a deal for 2025. That does not mean he’ll definitely be J.T. Realmuto’s backup next season.
Full explainer at @OnPattison https://t.co/1yXdqukNXO
In fact, the most likely scenario in 2025 is that Rafael Marchán — who impressed in 17 games last summer and is out of minor league options — is the primary backup for Realmuto. But Marchán has a lengthy injury history, and Stubbs gives them an insurance option to back up Realmuto.
Even though Stubbs has been the primary backup for the Phillies the last three seasons, he actually has a remaining minor league option. So if Marchán is healthy and backing up Realmuto, Stubbs could be optioned to Triple-A Lehigh Valley. It would be a bit awkward considering how long he's been part of the Major League team, but the 31-year-old may very well be the Opening Day catcher for the IronPigs.
