Stubbs will begin the 2025 season in the minors, which means Rafael Marchan will be the backup catcher to JT Realmuto to begin the campaign.

It sounded like the Phillies might non-tender Stubbs and go look for a better backup, but they do like his vibes. He still might not be guaranteed the spot in spring training, since longtime prospect Rafael Marchán is out of options. Stubbs, 31, hit .207/.296/.262 in a career-high 187 plate appearances last season.

It was all about placement for Stubbs today; he didn’t hit a ball over 86 mph. The triple was an 83-mph grounder down the first base line that Vinnie Pasquantino couldn’t reach. After it rolled down into the corner, Dairon Blanco slipped while trying to corral the ball. It was Stubbs’ third career triple. He also matched his career high by collecting his fourth double today.

Stubbs put the Phillies on the board with a solo homer off Roddery Muñoz to lead off the third inning, his first homer of the season. It was one of two runs the Phillies would score in the loss to Miami. The 29-year-old backstop has taken over as the primary catcher with J.T. Realmuto on the injured list. He’s slashing .216/.281/.261 across 96 plate appearances.