Phillies 2026 Opening Day Roster Shaping Up, But Questions Remain
As spring training approaches in Clearwater, the Phillies are poised to report with their pitching and catching crews. While many of the 26-man roster spots will mirror those from last season, significant changes are expected in the bullpen, which could impact the team's overall rotation.
The Catcher Position: Realmuto and Marchán Expected to Lead
J.T. Realmuto is a prime candidate to rejoin the Phillies on a two- or three-year deal, following a similar path as his return in 2022. Rafael Marchán will likely secure the backup catcher role ahead of Garrett Stubbs.
The Infield Remains Steady: Harper and Stott at Center
Bryce Harper, Bryson Stott, Trea Turner, Alec Bohm, Edmundo Sosa, and Otto Kemp form an unchanged infield unit from last season. The addition of Marchán strengthens the catcher depth behind Realmuto.
Outfield Depth Expands with Garcia and Castellanos
The outfield is loaded, but castoff Justin Crawford must prove himself to secure a starting role, potentially displacing Johan Rojas if the Phillies opt for him instead. Brandon Marsh and Adolis Garcia are expected to hold down the right-field corner spots, while Nick Castellanos' $20 million salary may necessitate an offseason trade.
Designated Hitter: Schwarber Set to Hit 56 Home Runs Again
Kyle Schwarber's potent power will likely make him a fixture in the lineup, with his five-year contract and 56-home run performance from last season cementing his spot as the designated hitter.
Starting Rotation Taking Shape Around Wheeler and Sanchez
Zack Wheeler's potential return on Opening Day is uncertain, but if healthy, he'll anchor the rotation. Cris Sánchez, Aaron Nola, Jesús Luzardo, and Andrew Painter form a solid foundation, with Painter needing to demonstrate his capabilities to secure the final rotation spot.
Relief Pitchers: Duran and Keller Set to Lead
Johan Duran and Orion Kerkering are expected to lead the Opening Day bullpen alongside José Alvarado. Brad Keller, Tanner Banks, Jonathan Bowlan, Zach McCambley, and Zack Pop round out the initial staff, with the final two spots potentially up for grabs after spring training.
Overall, while some questions remain unanswered regarding Wheeler's health and potential trade moves, the Phillies' Opening Day roster is taking shape as a formidable force in the National League.
As spring training approaches in Clearwater, the Phillies are poised to report with their pitching and catching crews. While many of the 26-man roster spots will mirror those from last season, significant changes are expected in the bullpen, which could impact the team's overall rotation.
The Catcher Position: Realmuto and Marchán Expected to Lead
J.T. Realmuto is a prime candidate to rejoin the Phillies on a two- or three-year deal, following a similar path as his return in 2022. Rafael Marchán will likely secure the backup catcher role ahead of Garrett Stubbs.
The Infield Remains Steady: Harper and Stott at Center
Bryce Harper, Bryson Stott, Trea Turner, Alec Bohm, Edmundo Sosa, and Otto Kemp form an unchanged infield unit from last season. The addition of Marchán strengthens the catcher depth behind Realmuto.
Outfield Depth Expands with Garcia and Castellanos
The outfield is loaded, but castoff Justin Crawford must prove himself to secure a starting role, potentially displacing Johan Rojas if the Phillies opt for him instead. Brandon Marsh and Adolis Garcia are expected to hold down the right-field corner spots, while Nick Castellanos' $20 million salary may necessitate an offseason trade.
Designated Hitter: Schwarber Set to Hit 56 Home Runs Again
Kyle Schwarber's potent power will likely make him a fixture in the lineup, with his five-year contract and 56-home run performance from last season cementing his spot as the designated hitter.
Starting Rotation Taking Shape Around Wheeler and Sanchez
Zack Wheeler's potential return on Opening Day is uncertain, but if healthy, he'll anchor the rotation. Cris Sánchez, Aaron Nola, Jesús Luzardo, and Andrew Painter form a solid foundation, with Painter needing to demonstrate his capabilities to secure the final rotation spot.
Relief Pitchers: Duran and Keller Set to Lead
Johan Duran and Orion Kerkering are expected to lead the Opening Day bullpen alongside José Alvarado. Brad Keller, Tanner Banks, Jonathan Bowlan, Zach McCambley, and Zack Pop round out the initial staff, with the final two spots potentially up for grabs after spring training.
Overall, while some questions remain unanswered regarding Wheeler's health and potential trade moves, the Phillies' Opening Day roster is taking shape as a formidable force in the National League.
... said no one ever 
. Like, who gets excited about the same old Phillies lineup? The fact that Realmuto and Marchán are back is kinda boring, if you ask me 
. And don't even get me started on Bryce Harper's contract – it's like they're just throwing money at problems 
. And have you seen the price tag for Castellanos' salary? It's highway robbery, dude! They should just trade him for a bag of baseballs or something 
. I'm not even sure why they bothered with Schwarber as the DH – it's not like he's going to break some records or anything 
. And what's up with Wheeler's health? Can't they afford to be worried about that for once? 
The outfield depth is insane with Marsh, Garcia, and Castellanos all ready to roll 
And can't wait to see Schwarber crush it in the DH spot 
One thing though, they need to find a way to get that rotation locked down. Wheeler's health is always a concern 
like 5 or 6 is just too much. the bullpen should be the focus 
what about the lineup? schwarber's gonna hit 50 home runs max, not 56 lol. and garcia's gotta prove himself again, maybe castellanos should be traded instead of paying that $20m salary 
And I love Kyle Schwarber as a DH but we need some more pop on the roster. Maybe someone like Anthony Rizzo could bring in some extra power? 
️ The outfield is stacked though and I'm hyped for that! 
is it true that schwarber is gonna hit 56 home runs again tho? i mean, that's crazy! 
what's gonna happen to garrett stubbs tho? is he gonna get a chance to play more? 
. I'm still wondering about Justin Crawford's chances of making the cut tho 
Still, it looks like we're looking at a solid lineup with Schwarber crushing homers again 
And on the other hand, what if Schwarber is actually overhyped and can't deliver those 56 home runs again? 
️. And Castellanos' salary better pay off, 'cause Nick needs to be in that lineup every day 
. They've made some solid changes like adding Duran and Keller to the mix, but you never know what can happen during spring training 
Still, it's looking good overall, I guess. The lineup is stacked, and Schwarber's gonna crush it again 
now we just gotta see how wheler's health holds up before the season starts 
Bryce Harper and Bryson Stott are definitely gonna be key players again 
what do you guys think about the bullpen? got any guesses on who might not make the final cut 
. And let's be real, Schwarber is gonna hit 50+ home runs again, no question 
. They've got a solid foundation with Realmuto, Harper, Stott, and Schwarber leading the charge 
️. Overall, it's looking like Philly's gonna be a force to be reckoned with this season 
. And Kyle Schwarber's gonna be crushing it again, 56 home runs and all that 
. The question mark for me is Nick Castellanos' $20 million salary... might they be looking to shake things up in the offseason