As pitchers and catchers prepare to converge in Clearwater, the Phillies' 2026 Opening Day roster is slowly taking shape. The bulk of the 26-man lineup will resemble last season's, with only the bullpen undergoing a significant overhaul this offseason.
The catcher position is likely to remain unchanged, with J.T. Realmuto and Rafael Marchán battling for time behind the plate. Although Realmuto's decision on committing to a multi-year deal was delayed last time around, insiders suggest he'll still choose Philadelphia.
At the infield, Bryce Harper, Bryson Stott, Trea Turner, Alec Bohm, Edmundo Sosa, and Otto Kemp will comprise the starting lineup, with minimal changes anticipated. Bohm and Stott are unlikely to be traded, while Sosa remains a versatile utility player. Kemp's potential has led to high expectations for him from the front office.
The outfield is an area of relative stability, with Brandon Marsh, Adolis Garcia, Justin Crawford, and Nick Castellanos vying for spots. Castellanos' $20 million salary makes it difficult to imagine him being cut; if he remains on the roster, Johan Rojas could fill the vacant role. The situation is only complicated further by Crawford's day-to-day availability.
The designated hitter spot will be Kyle Schwarber's, given his impressive performance last season and the hefty five-year contract that accompanies it.
As for the starting pitchers, Zack Wheeler's recovery from surgery is a significant factor in determining the rotation's composition. A hopeful scenario sees him joining Cris Sánchez, Aaron Nola, Jesús Luzardo, and Andrew Painter as the top five starters. However, reality may dictate an adjustment if Wheeler struggles to regain his form.
The bullpen's Opening Day configuration is already taking shape, with Johan Duran, Orion Kerkering, José Alvarado, Brad Keller, Tanner Banks, Jonathan Bowlan, Zach McCambley, and Zack Pop forming the core. The final two spots are up for grabs, but the team may lean on established arms in McCambley and Pop to secure them.
While this projected roster will undoubtedly undergo changes throughout spring training, the Phillies' starting lineup is looking solid as we head into the 2026 season.
The catcher position is likely to remain unchanged, with J.T. Realmuto and Rafael Marchán battling for time behind the plate. Although Realmuto's decision on committing to a multi-year deal was delayed last time around, insiders suggest he'll still choose Philadelphia.
At the infield, Bryce Harper, Bryson Stott, Trea Turner, Alec Bohm, Edmundo Sosa, and Otto Kemp will comprise the starting lineup, with minimal changes anticipated. Bohm and Stott are unlikely to be traded, while Sosa remains a versatile utility player. Kemp's potential has led to high expectations for him from the front office.
The outfield is an area of relative stability, with Brandon Marsh, Adolis Garcia, Justin Crawford, and Nick Castellanos vying for spots. Castellanos' $20 million salary makes it difficult to imagine him being cut; if he remains on the roster, Johan Rojas could fill the vacant role. The situation is only complicated further by Crawford's day-to-day availability.
The designated hitter spot will be Kyle Schwarber's, given his impressive performance last season and the hefty five-year contract that accompanies it.
As for the starting pitchers, Zack Wheeler's recovery from surgery is a significant factor in determining the rotation's composition. A hopeful scenario sees him joining Cris Sánchez, Aaron Nola, Jesús Luzardo, and Andrew Painter as the top five starters. However, reality may dictate an adjustment if Wheeler struggles to regain his form.
The bullpen's Opening Day configuration is already taking shape, with Johan Duran, Orion Kerkering, José Alvarado, Brad Keller, Tanner Banks, Jonathan Bowlan, Zach McCambley, and Zack Pop forming the core. The final two spots are up for grabs, but the team may lean on established arms in McCambley and Pop to secure them.
While this projected roster will undoubtedly undergo changes throughout spring training, the Phillies' starting lineup is looking solid as we head into the 2026 season.
, even with minimal changes to his spot in the lineup. He's still one of the most feared hitters in the game, and having him at the top of the order is going to be tough for opposing pitchers to handle 
. And I'm also curious to see how Otto Kemp develops this season - he's got huge potential but also a lot of pressure on his shoulders 
️. The rotation situation with Zack Wheeler still up in the air though, if he can't get back to form it could be a major shakeup 
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the thing about pitchers being a slow breed i guess they only care about stats not actual human feelings lol just kidding kinda sorta anyway if harper's expecting big things from kemp lets see him bring it or else he'll be eating his words 
hopefully Wheeler gets back on track too, that would solidify the rotation 
they got a solid team lookin and it's gonna be sick to see harper crushin at the plate again 
️ and kyle schwarber bringin that power as dh 
wheeler comin back from surgery hopefully and nola still throwin hard 
. In my day, we used to love watching guys struggle on purpose just to get an extra day off – now everyone's all about being healthy and starting every game. I don't know if that changes the outcome of the games or not, but it's definitely changed the way you watch 'em 
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. The way they're handling the rotation with Wheeler and the new signings 
️! J.T. Realmuto's decision on committing to a multi-year deal is still weird tho, hope he decides soon 
. And Castellanos' salary is a bit crazy $20 million? That's some big bucks 
. What do you guys think about the starting lineup looking solid for '26?