The Philadelphia Phillies will officially begin their march toward the 2025 World Series now that Opening Day for the new MLB season is finally here. Manager Rob Thomson has spent the last few days tinkering with his lineup now that spring training is over, meaning several players were sent to the minors to begin the new campaign.
One player who was sent packing within the last week is veteran catcher Garrett Stubbs. No one would blame the 31-year-old backstop if he were unhappy about his demotion — especially at this stage of his career — which is why Stubbs' reaction to his minor-league start might catch some Phillies fans by surprise.
Phillies News: Garrett Stubbs Feeling Positive Despite Minor-League Demotion
On the evening before Opening Day, Stubbs spoke with Phillies Nation's Ty Daubert about his recent minor-league demotion. The former 2015 eighth-rounder told Daubert that he plans on being an "open book" with Triple-A Lehigh Valley and that he'll do whatever it takes to help the organization's up-and-coming players succeed.
"I'm here as a resource,” Stubbs said. “I want to help every single guy in this locker room.”
First look at Garrett Stubbs as an IronPig.
— Ty Daubert (@TyDaubert) March 26, 2025
The catcher said he’ll keep in touch with the Phillies and that he’s with Lehigh Valley as an “open book.”
“I'm here as a resource,” he said. “I want to help every single guy in this locker room.”
Story to come for @PhilliesNation. pic.twitter.com/3P0vmoC4UN
Stubbs is a Phillies fan favorite for a reason, and his latest comments will only solidify that fact. Philadelphia's unofficial "Chief Vibes Officer" is known for being a great locker room presence, and he's clearly intent on keeping the good vibes going with Lehigh Valley.
A solid spring training performance left Phillies fans hopeful for Stubbs' future. Taking 21 at-bats across 10 appearances, the former USC Trojan slashed .286/.423/.381 while racking up two doubles, four RBIs, and three walks along the way. Unfortunately, it wasn't a performance good enough to crack Thomson's final lineup.
With Phillies catcher J.T. Realmuto officially in a contract year, Stubbs must capitalize on any potential MLB opportunities he sees this season. Although the San Diego, CA native doesn't have an issue producing in the minors, he struggles to find similar success in the Majors, proven by his batting only .206 with a .558 OPS in 95 appearances with the Phillies since the start of 2023. It doesn't help that he only has two homers and 23 RBIs with 79 strikeouts during that stretch.
At the end of the day, having veterans like Stubbs who lead by example is always a good thing. Continuing to be a locker room leader while producing at the plate will improve the veteran switch-hitter's odds of being one of the Phillies' first 2025 call-ups.