As spring training approaches, the Philadelphia Phillies have a few players who will have the most at stake in February and March. After a lackluster offseason, pitchers and catchers report to Clearwater on February 11. While a few minor changes were made, the core of the lineup remains the same. The pitching staff is dealing with the departure of Ranger Suárez in free agency. Additionally, the Phillies’ top prospects, Andrew Painter and Justin Crawford, enter with high expectations. Aidan Miller will also participate in spring training, but it is unlikely that he will make the Opening Day 26-man roster. Still, Miller will likely see playing time in the majors at some point this season. The Phillies will have a few roster spots up for grabs during spring training.

Three Phillies Who Have the Most At Stake This Spring
Otto Kemp (INF/OF)

Otto Kemp is in line to platoon with Brandon Marsh in left field this season. This offseason, Phillies President of Baseball Operations Dave Dombrowski and manager Rob Thomson have routinely praised Kemp. Last season, the 26-year-old did spend some time platooning with Marsh in left field, as he is expected to do this season. If Kemp has a rough showing in spring training, though, the Phillies may need to reevaluate their left field plan. In 2025, Kemp had a .786 OPS and a 118 wRC+ against left-handed pitchers across 74 plate appearances. With Weston Wilson having been designated for assignment recently, the Phillies lack an alternative for the role within the organization. Kemp has two minor league option years remaining.

Two o’s, two t’s … and 2 HRs!

Otto Kemp 💪 pic.twitter.com/dgFTzH86bR

— MLB (@MLB) July 27, 2025

Zach McCambley (RHP)

Zach McCambley was selected by the Phillies in the major league portion of the 2025 Rule 5 Draft. This means that if McCambley does not make the team, he must be traded or returned to the Miami Marlins. He cannot be optioned to the minor leagues. As a result, McCambley arguably has the most at stake of anyone on this list. Some non-roster invitees could be in competition with McCambley for a bullpen spot. He had a 2-3 record with a 2.90 ERA and one save in 47 minor league outings last season. In addition to that, he recorded a 2.90 FIP and a 1.097 WHIP with a 3.77 K/BB rate last year in the Marlins organization. Jonathan Bowlan is in a similar position to McCambley in the bullpen competition.

The Philadelphia Phillies select Zach McCambley (from MIA) with the 12th pick in the Rule 5 Draft

McCambley was my #1 target available in the draft thanks to excellent results in 2025 and his impressive cutter-slider combo. He posted an exceptional 24.3 K-BB% pic.twitter.com/peKCmSOLy9

— Thomas Nestico (@TJStats) December 10, 2025

Johan Rojas (OF)

Johan Rojas will be competing for the bench spot that will become available after the eventual trade or release of Nick Castellanos. It is slightly surprising that the Phillies have not officially parted ways with Castellanos yet. Regardless, Rojas is the frontrunner for the open bench spot if the Phillies do not bring in another outfielder. He has not been reliable at the plate across three major league seasons and has been sent down to Triple-A the last two years as a result. However, one advantage Rojas holds over Gabriel Rincones Jr. is that he is a right-handed batter, whereas Rincones is a left-handed batter. If Rojas underperforms, a change of scenery is needed for both sides. Rojas does have one minor league option year available if the Phillies elect to use it.

 

Main Photo Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images