Garrett Stubbs, the talented USC baseball alum, is set to return to the World Baseball Classic as a member of Team Israel. This announcement comes after Stubbs previously represented Israel during the 2023 tournament. His eligibility is rooted in his Jewish heritage, which he proudly embraces. Stubbs expressed his excitement about connecting with his heritage on a global stage, stating, "It's a truly special opportunity to help Team Israel compete at the highest level alongside so many talented players."

During his collegiate career, Stubbs excelled at USC, earning the prestigious Johnny Bench Award as the nation's top catcher in his senior year and contributing significantly to the team's NCAA Tournament success. Drafted by the Houston Astros in 2015, he made his MLB debut in 2019 and has since played with the Philadelphia Phillies. Currently, he is playing with Triple-A Lehigh Valley, but his focus is now on making an impact in the upcoming World Baseball Classic.

The Philadelphia Phillies are focusing on their catcher position this offseason, particularly concerning J.T. Realmuto. Once considered the best catcher in baseball, Realmuto's production has waned, with a notable drop in OPS+ over the last two seasons. The team is contemplating reducing his playing time during the regular season to preserve his stamina for the playoffs. However, this plan hinges on finding a reliable backup, as Garrett Stubbs' offensive skills are underwhelming, leading to Rafael Marchán as the frontrunner for the backup spot. Marchán, a former top prospect, has a chance to solidify his role, especially since he has no minor league options remaining, making him a likely candidate for the Opening Day roster if he stays healthy.

The Philadelphia Phillies are gearing up for the 2025 season with a pivotal decision looming over the catcher position. J.T. Realmuto, the star catcher, is entering the final year of his contract, and the organization has yet to engage in discussions regarding an extension. This situation places Realmuto in a unique position where the team might maximize his usage this season, considering his potential departure after his age-35 season. However, concerns about Realmuto's performance have arisen, as his play has declined since his exceptional 2022 season, where he earned both Gold Glove and Silver Slugger honors.

To manage this delicate balance, the Phillies are strategizing to reduce Realmuto's playing time in hopes of preserving his effectiveness for the latter part of the season and the playoffs. This plan hinges heavily on the performance of the backup catcher, a role that has become increasingly significant. Currently, the projected starter remains Realmuto, with Rafael Marchan anticipated to take on the backup role. The team is likely to send fan favorite Garrett Stubbs to Triple-A due to his remaining minor league option, while Marchan, once a promising prospect, looks to reclaim his place after battling injuries.

Marchan's recent performance, where he showcased his potential in a limited stint last season, positions him as a viable backup. However, if he struggles or faces injury setbacks, Stubbs could be recalled, risking Marchan's future with the team. The Phillies are also experimenting with additional options, having acquired Paul McIntosh and signed Payton Henry to a minor league deal. As the season approaches, the dynamics of the catcher position are set to evolve, especially if Marchan steps up as the backup on Opening Day, which could significantly impact the team's overall performance.

The Philadelphia Phillies are gearing up for an active offseason, with speculation surrounding a potential trade involving catcher J.T. Realmuto. Despite a less-than-stellar 2024 season, his value remains high due to a lack of quality alternatives on the team and the trade market.

Realmuto's injury history raises concerns, but he still managed to rank among the top catchers in fWAR. The Phillies may face challenges in finding a suitable replacement, with limited options available, making the decision to keep Realmuto a complex one.