Garrett Stubbs opts to stay in Phillies organization

The Phillies retained some important catching depth when popular veteran Garrett Stubbs cleared waivers Saturday and accepted an assignment to Triple A Lehigh Valley.

Stubbs, 32, essentially becomes the Phillies’ third-string catcher behind J.T. Realmuto and Rafael Marchan, who are both with the big-league team.

Stubbs was the team’s primary backup to Realmuto for three seasons (2022 to 2024) before being optioned to Lehigh Valley after spring training 2025 and spending most of the season there. 

Stubbs was out of options this year. After he failed to make the big club out of spring training, the Phillies made him available for a trade then passed him through waivers. Phillies management was hopeful that Stubbs would choose to remain with the organization because of the depth he provides. As incentive for Stubbs to stay with the organization, the club will pay him $575,000, a hefty minor-league salary.

In an effort to increase his versatility, Stubbs is expected to get some time in left field and at third base with Lehigh Valley. He saw time at both positions in spring training.