Phillies re-sign beloved fan-favorite backup catcher for fifth season

The Philadelphia Phillies have a lot of work to do this offseason, with needs to fill in the outfield, bullpen, infield, and even at catcher and designated hitter.

With JT Realmuto hitting free agency, there's a clear need to bolster the catcher position. Rafael Marchan is around for another year, but their other backup catcher spot is a lot more uncertain.

However, according to Matt Gelb of The Athletic, the Phillies are re-signing backup catcher and beloved clubhouse member Garrett Stubbs to a one-year deal to bring him back for his fifth season in Philadelphia.

Phillies to bring back Garrett Stubbs on one-year deal

"Phillies have agreed to a split contract with catcher Garrett Stubbs ahead of today's 5 p.m. tender deadline." Gelb writes. "He'll make $925K in majors and $575L in minors, per source."

Stubbs is out of minor league options, but the Phillies' backup catcher is coming back for another season and will factor into the team's catcher room.

But, just like in 2025, Stubbs will likely be the third-string catcher, playing behind Marchan and whichever catcher the Phillies wind up with as their starter for 2026.

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Philadelphia is retaining one of its catchers, bringing Stubbs back for one more season. The veteran backup catcher played in just five games for the Phillies in 2025, getting just one plate appearance and scoring two runs thanks to some late-season pinch running.

At 32 years old, Stubbs isn't going to be an integral part of the Phillies' plans in 2026, but he provides some familiar insurance to the team's catcher room.

Stubbs is a fan-favorite in Philadelphia, and he's returning for another season on a deal less than $1 million. A lot of work still needs to be done in the catcher room, but Stubbs' return is a start for Dave Dombrowski and the Phillies.

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