PHILADELPHIA— For the first time since 2012, the Philadelphia Phillies enter the regular season as the defending National League East Champs.
After a 95-67 season in 2024, the Phillies made the postseason for the third consecutive year. After a second-round exit to their division rivals, the club is eager to bounce back and finally bring a World Series back to Philadelphia.
With a loaded roster and stiff competition in the National League, the 2025 season is gearing up to be a battle for the Phillies. Before we can start 2025, however, we have to recap what has led to Opening Day.
Off-Season Recap
Some will argue that the Phillies had a lackluster off-season. While they did not pursue a top-of-the-line free agent like Juan Soto or Alex Bregman, the club went about the winter period strategically. Adding low-risk and high-reward players to one-year contracts, ahead of what could be a huge off-season.
The Losses
Free agents Jeff Hoffman, Carlos Estevez, Spencer Turnbull, and Austin Hays left the Phillies after the 2024 playoffs. Hoffman signed with the Toronto Blue Jays, Estevez with the Kansas City Royals, Hays with the Cincinnati Reds, and Turnbull remains available.
Hoffman earned his first All-Star appearance with the Phillies in 2024 and found real success over the past two seasons. He was the team’s de facto closer, and Rob Thomson gave him the ball in the biggest spots. Carlos Estevez was added at the trade deadline to help strengthen the ‘pen. He pitched well for the Phillies, but the team ultimately decided to move on.
The Additions
In response, the Phillies signed Jordan Romano, a 2-time All-Star closer formerly with the Toronto Blue Jays. They added Joe Ross, a swingman from the Milwaukee Brewers who can start or appear in relief when needed. Ross was a key member of the Brewers in their run to the playoffs last season. They also signed a new left fielder, Max Kepler, a quality outfielder looking for a fresh start. Kepler contains a left-handed swing that will play well at Citizens Bank Park this season.
The big splash for the Phillies came via the trade market. In a deal with the Miami Marlins, the Phillies added left-handed starter Jesús Luzardo. A former top prospect for the Athletics, Luzardo shined after being dealt to Miami. Starting against the Phillies in the 2023 playoffs, Jesús missed most of 2024 but has the potential to be a top-of-the-line starter if he returns to form.
Phillies Active Roster
With a few players on the injured list, the following 26 players have been selected to open the season with the Phillies.
| Starting Pitchers | Zack Wheeler, Aaron Nola, Cristopher Sanchez, Jesús Luzardo, Ranger Suarez (IL), Taijuan Walker |
| Bullpen | Jose Alvarado, Jordan Romano, Orion Kerkering, Matt Strahm, Joe Ross, Tanner Banks, Jose Ruiz, Carlos Hernandez |
| Infielders | Bryce Harper, Bryson Stott, Trea Turner, Alec Bohm, Edmundo Sosa, Kody Clemens, |
| Outfielders | Kyle Schwarber, Max Kepler, Nick Castellanos, Brandon Marsh, Johan Rojas, Weston Wilson (IL) |
| Catchers | J.T. Realmuto, Rafael Marchan |
There were very limited spots on the Phillies roster up for grabs in spring training. The backup catcher, final bench spot, and last bullpen spot were all winnable spots on the team.
Garrett Stubbs lost his roster spot due to his available option to the minor leagues. This paved the way for Rafael Marchan to slide in as the backup catcher behind J.T. Realmuto.
With Weston Wilson getting injured at the beginning of camp, it paved the way for players like Kody Clemens, Buddy Kennedy, and non-roster invitee Christian Arroyo to compete for the final bench spot. Clemens had a hot bat all spring long, earning the 26th spot over Kennedy. When Wilson is eligible to return, it will be interesting to see what happens with Kody Clemens. Until then, the clutch-hitting left-handed infielder will wear the red pinstripes.
Taijuan Walker made the club as well. A lot of debate took place at the end of last season on whether Walker would be released or traded by the Phillies. Coming into Clearwater healthy, Taijaun showed improvements over what he gave the team last season. Entering the year, he will be the team’s swing starter, filling in for an injured Ranger Suarez. He will likely return to the bullpen once Suarez is healthy.
Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
