All the signs were there for Garrett Stubbs this spring.
Barring an injury or unexpected struggles from Rafael Marchán, Stubbs was going to be sent down to the minors to start the 2025 MLB season. It was barely even a choice – Stubbs had a minor league option remaining, and Marchán didn’t.
Once it became official on Thursday, Stubbs didn’t hide his disappointment.
“It’s not the first time I’ve ever been sent down,” Stubbs told NBC Sports Philadelphia. “Obviously, it’s the first time (with the Phillies). So getting that tap on the shoulder is not a good feeling. I knew it was a possibility coming into spring training, just knowing the circumstances with options and the business side of baseball, which can get crappy.”
The decision, while not unexpected, does signal a shift in tone surrounding the Phillies. Stubbs has been affectionately known as their “Chief Vibes Officer” and was in charge of clubhouse music selection. But those vibes haven’t led to the Phils winning a World Series with this core, and time is running out for them to do so.
Not sticking it out with that group is the hardest part for Garrett.
“I created a lot of really incredible friendships,” Stubbs said. “I feel like I’ve had a huge impact on how we operate as a team.”
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Stubbs hit .222 and drove in 39 runs over 148 games with the Phillies the past three years. He has not been in the minors since 2021, when he was still part of the Houston Astros organization.
While it’s possible that Stubbs is recalled at some point this season, his immediate priorities have changed. First, he should be the primary catcher in Lehigh Valley – a big change from playing once a week behind J.T. Realmuto. Second, he’ll be working with a much younger pitching staff instead of one full of veterans.
Neither fact has changed his mindset.
“I know that when I’m in Triple-A, I’ll be doing the only thing(s) I know how, which is one, staying prepared for myself, and getting myself better… but also preparing the other guys the same way I did in the big leagues.”
If Stubbs can help develop some young arms during his time in the minors, his contribution to Philly could end just as large, if not more, than before.
