The Philadelphia Phillies have officially begun making changes to their catching situation, and one familiar face is suddenly on his way out.

After five seasons in Philadelphia, Garrett Stubbs is being designated for assignment, bringing an end to his time as J.T. Realmuto’s primary backup. While the decision might not generate the same headlines as a blockbuster trade or major free-agent signing, it could have much bigger implications for the Phillies’ plans heading into the 2027 season.

For Dave Dombrowski, this is about more than moving on from an underperforming backup catcher. Philadelphia needs to find a more reliable option behind the plate, particularly with Realmuto approaching another important stage of his career.

And judging by the organization’s recent comments, the Phillies may be preparing for a significant change in how their catching position operates.

A FIVE-YEAR RUN IN PHILADELPHIA COMES TO AN END

Garrett Stubbs became a familiar personality in the Phillies clubhouse after arriving in Philadelphia. Although he never established himself as an everyday starter, his contributions extended beyond his offensive numbers.

The 33-year-old appeared in 35 games during the 2026 campaign, recording a disappointing .153 batting average and a .368 OPS across 65 plate appearances.

Those numbers made it increasingly difficult to justify keeping him in a backup role when the Phillies desperately needed more production from the catching position.

According to reporting from The Philadelphia Inquirer, the Phillies have designated Stubbs for assignment. The organization now has seven days to trade him or place him on waivers. If he clears waivers, he intends to elect free agency.

However, his departure should not erase everything he contributed during his five seasons with the organization.

Stubbs developed relationships with Philadelphia’s pitching staff, participated in scouting and game-planning meetings, and regularly helped pitchers prepare even when he wasn’t in the starting lineup.

His clubhouse personality also made him popular among teammates and fans.

But professional baseball is ultimately a results-driven business, and Philadelphia cannot afford to ignore the offensive problems that plagued its catching position throughout 2026.

DAVE DOMBROWSKI IS CLEARLY THINKING ABOUT J.T. REALMUTO’S FUTURE

Perhaps the most interesting part of this development is what it reveals about Dave Dombrowski’s larger plans.

Realmuto remains Philadelphia’s starting catcher, but the organization understands that relying on him to handle an enormous workload is becoming increasingly difficult.

Dombrowski has already acknowledged that reducing Realmuto’s playing time behind the plate is a priority.

“My goal is to try to reduce the number of games you catch,” Dombrowski told Realmuto during an offseason conversation.

That statement carries considerable importance.

Realmuto is entering his age-36 season, and Philadelphia needs to manage his workload more carefully if it wants him to remain productive over the remainder of his contract.

Despite his reputation as one of baseball’s premier catchers, his 2026 offensive production was disappointing. He finished with a .205/.283/.331 slash line, 11 home runs, and a .614 OPS.

The Phillies cannot simply assume that giving him another season of heavy responsibilities will produce better results.

Reducing his workload could help preserve his physical condition, improve his availability, and give the coaching staff more flexibility throughout the season.

However, that strategy only works if Philadelphia finds somebody capable of handling the additional responsibility.

THE BACKUP CATCHER POSITION HAS BECOME A MAJOR OFFSEASON PROBLEM

Stubbs wasn’t the only Philadelphia catcher who struggled offensively.

Rafael Marchán also experienced significant difficulties, hitting .099 with a .302 OPS in 95 plate appearances.

Together, Philadelphia’s backup catchers provided very little offensive support.

The problem becomes even more concerning when considering Realmuto’s own struggles.

The Phillies need to find a better balance between defensive reliability and offensive production.

Dombrowski has previously emphasized that Philadelphia values defensive ability when evaluating catchers. However, the organization also recognizes that the position cannot continue producing such limited offensive contributions.

Marchán remains an interesting internal option because of his defensive ability. Dombrowski has praised his receiving skills, and his defensive numbers provide a reason for Philadelphia to keep evaluating him.

Nevertheless, the Phillies need more certainty.

If Marchán cannot establish himself offensively, the organization may have to explore outside options.

WHO COULD REPLACE GARRETT STUBBS?

This is where the offseason becomes particularly interesting.

Philadelphia has several possible approaches, but none comes without questions.

The first option is giving Marchán another opportunity while searching for additional competition.

That approach would allow the Phillies to maintain some continuity without immediately committing significant financial resources to another catcher.

The second possibility is exploring the free-agent market.

There are veteran catchers who could potentially provide more offensive production and give Realmuto meaningful rest. Finding someone who can contribute consistently without requiring a major financial commitment would be particularly attractive.

Philadelphia could also investigate trade possibilities.

However, Dombrowski must be careful not to sacrifice valuable organizational depth simply to address a backup position.

The ideal replacement should offer three things: dependable defense, improved offensive production, and the ability to handle regular playing time when Realmuto needs a break.

Anything less would leave Philadelphia facing the same problem next season.

WHY THIS DECISION COULD HAVE A BIGGER IMPACT THAN FANS EXPECT

The Phillies have several problems to address following another disappointing postseason exit.

Their offensive inconsistency, defensive concerns, and bullpen questions will attract most of the attention.

But the catching position deserves considerably more discussion.

Philadelphia cannot expect to compete for a championship while repeatedly receiving limited offensive contributions from multiple spots in its lineup.

Realmuto’s situation makes the problem even more complicated.

He remains an important part of the organization, and Dombrowski has indicated that the Phillies aren’t looking to trade their established veteran core.

That means finding a suitable backup becomes essential.

A stronger second catcher could help Realmuto stay healthier, improve the team’s overall offensive production, and provide manager Don Mattingly with additional lineup flexibility.

It might not be the flashiest offseason acquisition, but it could become one of the more important decisions Philadelphia makes.

THE PHILLIES HAVE MORE WORK TO DO

Garrett Stubbs’ departure represents the end of a five-year chapter in Philadelphia.

He was a popular clubhouse personality who provided leadership and defensive assistance, but his offensive production ultimately made his position difficult to defend.

For Dombrowski, the challenge now is finding someone who can provide more than what Philadelphia received from its backup catchers in 2026.

The bigger objective is making sure Realmuto doesn’t have to carry such an enormous workload again.

And that could require more than simply replacing Stubbs.

The Phillies have made their first significant move toward reshaping the catching position. Now comes the more difficult question: Who will they trust to help Realmuto next season?

If Philadelphia gets that decision right, this relatively quiet roster move could become an important piece of its 2027 championship plans.