The Phillies Biggest Roster Decisions as Spring Training Wraps Up

The Philadelphia Phillies are adjusting their roster because of the need to narrow to the 26-man roster for Opening Day. It is not uncommon to see teams make a lot of transactions in the days leading. up to Opening Day. This is because of every team having to trim down their roster. Players who originally were not available become available on waivers and teams may place a claim on those players if they feel their team is being upgraded. Matt Gelb has noted multiple times that the Phillies may fill open spots with players not currently on their roster.

One injury note is that Orion Kerkering will indeed start the year on the injured list. This means three bullpen spots are available for players competing for a spot on the roster.

Phillies Are Adjusting Their Roster

Starting Rotation May Be Altered Due to Injury

Taijuan Walker might have to start the season on the injured list because of a right shoulder problem. In the event Walker starts on the injured list Spencer Turnbull would fill in. As a result Turnbull is in line to start against the Cincinnati Reds on April 1. In addition the injury to Walker is why the Phillies altered their lineup on March 23. Connor Brogdon was originally supposed to start with Turnbull pitching in relief. The injury led to that being reversed with Turnbull starting and Brogdon pitching in relief. The Phillies have also not ruled out signing Jordan Montgomery at this time.

Walker starting on the injured list and Turnbull starting in the rotation creates a second temporarily open spot for the pitching staff.

More Pitching Depth May Be Needed

This offseason the Phillies focused on acquiring pitching depth which will come into play after the Walker injury. One of those players Michael Rucker along with Dylan Covey are expected to start the season on the injured list. Prior to suffering an injury, Covey was in contention for the long relief role in the bullpen. This is a key reason why the Phillies should sign Montgomery to improve the rotation and pitching depth. Signing someone like Montgomery would send the Phillies over the third luxury tax threshold it is necessary. Having a deep pitching staff will be important for the Phillies to be successful this season. Teams end up having to use many pitchers during the season because of injuries so depth here is crucial.

Pitcher Receives Contract Extension

On March 24 the Phillies signed Matt Strahm to a contract extension that runs through the 2025 season. There is also an option year for the 2026 season. Last season Strahm had a 9-5 record and a 3.29 ERA as well as a 131 ERA+ and 108 strikeouts. During the 2023 season Strahm appeared in 56 games which included 10 starts. Additionally Strahm had a career best 2.2 WAR last season. Strahm also recorded two saves last season. In the postseason last year Strahm made seven appearances and did not allow an earned run while getting a save against the Atlanta Braves during the National League Division Series. It is not anticipated that Strahm will make any starts this season.

Trade That May Reshape The Bench

The Phillies traded Jake Cave to the Colorado Rockies on March 24 for cash. This move indicates that both Johan Rojas and Cristian Pache might make the opening day roster. Both Cave and Pache have no remaining minor league options. However is is not guaranteed as Bob Nightengale reported the Phillies may acquire a left-handed batting outfielder. Presumably this player would have minor league options still available. The most important decision in all of this is regarding Rojas. Trading Cave on its own does not indicate anything about the plans for Rojas.

Having Rojas start the season at Triple-A Lehigh Valley opens up a roster spot for a potential new acquisition.