Who Stays and Who Goes? A Look at the Phillies Bench

Phillies Stay or Go: Evaluating the Bench After a Disappointing NLDS Exit

After a surprising and disheartening NLDS loss to the Mets, the Phillies face a critical offseason with big decisions about their roster. First on the agenda: determining the fate of the 26 players who helped secure a 2-seed and 95 wins. The question now is, who should stay and who should go?

Retaining the entire roster would be unwise; changes are needed. In particular, the bullpen struggled in the playoffs, and the team’s lack of contact hitters and solid defense left them vulnerable against the younger, scrappy Mets. But how should they approach these changes?

Next, we’ll examine the Phillies’ bench, starting with the five players on the playoff roster — Garrett Stubbs, Austin Hays, Kody Clemens, Weston Wilson, and Edmundo Sosa — and a few others. Should these players stay?

On the financial side, the Phillies could bring back the entire bench, as all five players are still under team control and pre-arbitration for 2025. Other budget-friendly options, like Buddy Kennedy, Rodolfo Castro, Cal Stevenson, and Rafael Marchán, also remain under team control. Here’s a breakdown of why each postseason bench player might be worth another year in Philadelphia:

– Garrett Stubbs brings strong clubhouse energy. Although his offensive stats are modest, he delivered key hits when J.T. Realmuto was sidelined.
– Edmundo Sosa had a solid season and filled in admirably for Trea Turner in spring. With defensive versatility and a .257 average with 31 RBIs, he’s the most likely to return.
– Kody Clemens showed power, hit in clutch moments, and can sub at first base when Bryce Harper is out.
– Weston Wilson has a powerful bat and even hit for the cycle, making him a top candidate for retention.
– Austin Hays, acquired at the trade deadline, hit .256 in 80 plate appearances, providing solid support. With Kennedy and Stevenson making memorable contributions as well, the Phillies were fortunate to have depth without overtaxing backups like Sosa.

But why consider changes? Phillies pinch hitters posted just a .200 average last season (23rd in the league) with five homers and 21 RBIs in 193 plate appearances, with a pinch-hit average of .144 in 104 plate appearances. Ideally, the team would have a group of pinch hitters who can consistently surpass the Mendoza line.

Additionally, some bench players face limited minor league options, which might influence GM Dave Dombrowski’s decisions. Hays, Sosa, Marchán, Castro, Clemens, Kennedy, and Stevenson are all out of MiLB options, potentially making them trade targets or candidates for shorter stints with the team.

A notable question surrounds Garrett Stubbs. Now 31 and a sporadic hitter, the team might consider bringing in a backup catcher who can handle more plate appearances as Realmuto ages. Though veterans may join the 26-man roster competition, familiar faces from last year’s bench will likely be at spring training with a shot to prove themselves for next season.