The Philadelphia Phillies are closing in on another postseason appearance, with the club seemingly on course for its fifth consecutive trip to October barring a dramatic collapse. With the focus naturally shifting toward another potential World Series run, the organization also has to keep one eye on the future.
The Phillies have built a talented roster capable of competing in the National League, but not every current piece is guaranteed to remain part of the long-term picture. The final weeks of the season could be especially important for several players whose recent performances have raised questions about their place on the 2027 roster.
Here are six Phillies who could be playing their way out of Philadelphia’s plans.
RAFAEL MARCHÁN AND GARRETT STUBBS
The Phillies’ catching situation has become increasingly complicated. J.T. Realmuto remains the established veteran behind the plate, but at 35 years old, his declining production means Philadelphia needs to seriously consider how it will handle the position moving forward.
That puts additional pressure on Rafael Marchán and Garrett Stubbs, who have rotated between the majors and the role of Realmuto’s primary backup.
Neither player has produced consistently at the plate this season. Marchán has posted a .302 OPS across 34 games, while Stubbs has recorded a .361 OPS in the same number of contests.
Stubbs has at least provided value in other areas and has played an important role in Aaron Nola’s second-half resurgence. That could give him an advantage when Philadelphia evaluates its catching options. Still, the offensive production from both players has left plenty to be desired.
With Realmuto entering the later stages of his career, the Phillies could decide that adding a dependable part-time catcher is necessary. That could leave one or both current backups fighting for their roster spots.
ORION KERKERING
Orion Kerkering’s situation may be one of the more difficult decisions facing the Phillies.
The hard-throwing right-hander rapidly climbed through Philadelphia’s minor-league system and looked like a potential long-term piece of the bullpen. His electric stuff has never been in question, but consistency has become a major concern.
Kerkering has struggled during an important stretch of the season, creating uncertainty about whether he can become the reliable late-inning option the Phillies once envisioned.
His disappointing moments have become particularly memorable because of his difficult 2025 postseason experience. Despite his considerable upside, Philadelphia now has to determine whether it should continue investing in his development or explore what kind of return he could bring in a trade.
The Phillies should not necessarily give up on Kerkering, but another team could view his talent as an opportunity. If Philadelphia receives a worthwhile offer, a change of scenery could become a realistic possibility.
TANNER BANKS
Philadelphia entered the season with considerable left-handed depth in the bullpen, but that strength has quickly become a weakness.
Tanner Banks has experienced one of the roughest seasons of his career. His 7.26 ERA represents a significant decline from his previous performance, and his struggles have already resulted in a trip to Triple-A.
Now back with the Phillies, Banks still has an opportunity to turn things around. However, the organization will have to determine whether there is enough evidence to believe he can regain his previous form.
At 34 years old, Banks does not have an unlimited amount of time to prove himself. His remaining team control could work in his favor, but continued struggles would make it difficult for Philadelphia to justify keeping him in its plans.
JOSÉ ALVARADO
José Alvarado presents a different situation.
The powerful left-hander was once one of Philadelphia’s most dependable bullpen weapons, particularly in high-leverage situations. This season, however, his effectiveness has declined considerably.
Through 63 appearances, Alvarado has recorded a 5.20 ERA while issuing 26 walks over 55⅓ innings. Those numbers have made his role increasingly difficult to justify, even as Philadelphia has dealt with a shortage of reliable left-handed relief options.
With Alvarado approaching free agency, the Phillies have a major decision to make. Unless he can rediscover his previous form before the season ends, the club could look elsewhere for bullpen help.
BRANDON MARSH
Brandon Marsh has perhaps experienced the most dramatic change in performance among the players on this list.
After an outstanding first half that earned him a spot as an All-Star starter, Marsh has struggled badly since the break. Over 53 post-All-Star-break games, he has hit just .179/.239/.241, with six extra-base hits and three stolen bases.
His struggles have also cost him playing time, with Bryan De La Cruz receiving more opportunities in the outfield.
Marsh remains under Philadelphia’s control through 2027, so the organization does not have to make an immediate decision. However, his recent decline could force the Phillies to reconsider their plans for left field.
If Philadelphia pursues a right-handed-hitting outfielder in free agency, Marsh could become a potential trade piece.
For now, the final weeks of the season give all six players one more opportunity to change the conversation. Their performances could have a significant impact on how the Phillies shape their roster for 2027.
