The Philadelphia Phillies are set up to be buyers at the deadline, but may need to part ways with some underperforming players on their roster first.
The Philadelphia Phillies will likely be looking for an outfielder and bullpen help at the trade deadline. However, they may also be in the market for a backup catcher. Rafael Marchan has been the team’s backup to J.T. Realmuto, but he may not make it to the end of the summer. FanSided’s Zachary Rotman predicted he would be cut loose “long before” the trade deadline.
Marchan, 26, made the opening day roster over Garrett Stubbs. While Stubbs is hitting .253 in Triple-A, Marchan is slashing just .163/.281/.265. He has played in just 20 games, but it is clear the Phillies need an upgrade. Marchan being out of options was a key reason for him making the roster over Stubbs, but that seems insignificant now.
Realmuto has caught in 61 games this year. He does not take many days off, but that does not mean the Phillies cannot neglect the need for a backup catcher. Should something happen to Realmuto, Marchan has not played like someone the team can rely on.
Stubbs would be the obvious replacement for Marchan, but even he is underwhelming at the plate. He slashed .207/.296/.262 last season in 56 games for the Phillies. If the team does not trust Stubbs either, then they will need to look outside of the organization.
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“The Phillies have given Marchan almost three full months on the roster to prove himself,” wrote Rotman. “At this point, it’s safe to say he isn’t cut out to be relied on as the backup catcher.”
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