The Philadelphia Phillies have some roster openings to sort out heading into spring training. While the roster is mostly set, there will be some roles up for grabs in Clearwater. Phillies President of Baseball Operations Dave Dombrowski confirmed during a press conference on Monday that the team still plans to move on from outfielder Nick Castellanos. Dombrowski says the team would prefer to have that done by this Friday at the latest. This will officially create a competition for a bench spot. However, Dombrowski also said that Justin Crawford and Otto Kemp still have to earn their spots on the Phillies’ Opening Day 26-man roster. Dombrowski and Phillies manager Rob Thomson also indicated that Zack Wheeler will start the season on the injured list. Taijuan Walker is likely to start the year in the rotation.

Phillies Have a Few Roster Openings as Spring Training Approaches
The Bullpen

Dombrowski indicated that six of the eight bullpen spots are set. Jonathan Bowlan is among those pitchers. Bowlan came to the Phillies in a trade with the Kansas City Royals for Matt Strahm earlier this offseason. This is notable because Bowlan does not have any minor league options remaining. With Zach McCambley, a Rule 5 Draft pick, competing for an open spot as well, the Phillies are going to have limited flexibility. Zach Pop is viewed as a leading candidate for an open spot, but is also out of options. Unless Kyle Backhus or Tucker Davidson make the team, the Phillies will have a right-handed-heavy bullpen. Backhaus is the more likely of the two to make the Opening Day roster. Currently, José Alvarado and Tanner Banks are the left-handed relief pitchers. They did have this setup while Alvarado was suspended.

The Phillies are getting trade inquiries on their left-handed relievers, including Jose Alvarado.Sep 7, 2025; Miami, Florida, USA; Philadelphia Phillies relief pitcher Jose Alvarado (46) delivers a pitch against the Miami Marlins during the seventh inning at loanDepot Park. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
Backup Catcher

Surprisingly, Dombrowski also mentioned the backup catcher spot as a possible competition. Garrett Stubbs has a split contract, so even though he is out of minor league options, he will likely be outrighted if he clears waivers. Rafael Marchán served as the backup catcher last season and should again this season. Marchán also has no minor league options available. Last season, Marchán recorded a .210/.282/.305 line with two home runs and 13 RBI, along with a 65 wRC+ and .230 BABIP in 42 games. While the Phillies lack catching depth in terms of quality, they do have a fair share of non-roster invitee catchers, including René Pinto and Mark Kolozsvary. It would not be surprising if one of Marchán or Stubbs is traded, given the option situation. 

Rafael Marchan’s second home run of the season is a go-ahead three-run homer in the ninth off Blake Treinen! pic.twitter.com/BaXqityLLq

— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) September 17, 2025

Last Bench Spot

Johan Rojas is probably entering a make-or-break spring training. Rojas had a .224/.280/.289 line with one home run and 18 RBI in 71 major league games last year. He also recorded a 58 wRC+ and a .289 BABIP in major league action. Rojas has one minor league option year. One thing that works in his favor is his ability to play center field and do so well, along with his speed. If the Phillies are done adding outfield depth, then Bryan De La Cruz and Gabriel Rincones Jr. are the main competition for Rojas. However, Rincones is a left-handed batter, making it an uphill climb for him. De La Cruz has center field experience and had an excellent Dominican Winter League season. It is not out of the question that De La Cruz plays his way into a spot on the 26-man roster.

 

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