Phillies 2026 Spring Training Discussion

[andyb]

This article is definitely looking forward so why not start the Spring Training thread.

Inside Phillies prospect Justin Crawford’s outfield boot camp. His teacher: Eric...

[allentown]

The advice/change in his stance Crawford received from the Allentown bench coach seems, on the surface, to be terrible advice, which will inevitably lead to a lot of bad routes. What use is getting up to full speed quickly if running in at full speed is the wrong route? What if you need to accelerate backwards or laterally? And why not be in a position to best track the ball quickly and accurately. That seems the essential step to running good routes.

[phillychuck]

Any summary for those of us behind a paywall?

[allentown]

"He changed his pre-pitch positioning a bit in 2025, including adjusting to more of a crouch — similar to his position when stealing bases bench ... coach Chris “Tank” Adamson said ,,, was to help Crawford get to top speed as soon as possible and “trim the fat with the movements he was doing before contact.”

"“That’s two steps [lost, including rotating body after straightening up],” Davis said... now,... he’s got a bad jump and that’s going to hurt his routes.”

[Now]Crawford stands a bit straighter on his pre-pitch positioning [and]...began angling toward the side the batter is most likely to hit toward.

[andyb]

Players Who Could Move To The 60-Day IL Once Spring Training Begins

Zach Wheeler is the Phillies candidate and while one can be put on the list during Spring Training to free up a roster spot, the 60 days do not start accruing until opening day.so this would keep Wheeler out until May 25th. Guessing the Phillies want him by the beginning of May so they will NOT choose this unless he looks like he needs the extra time in Spring Training.

[zambonir]

Yeah, that would be a real negative if it is even a consideration. I think they are still hoping he'll be available by mid/late April. But that turns out to be more like mid-May and they really need the 40-man spot and/or see value in being conservative, they can always do it at that time, the move would still be retroactive. And could throwing in the minors or extended ST as early as late April (rehab) right?

[andyb]

Kerkering seems resolved to improve, looking at his total performance from last year and not just the ending.

A season-ending error changed Orion Kerkering. Now, he’s embracing the...

[andyb]

DD will continue to look for pitching depth. Wonder if they are thinking that somebody like Gallen might take a cheap 1-year deal since the larger deals are off the table. Probably depends on whether they really think Painter is ready which is 50-50 in my book.

Phillies’ Zack Wheeler unlikely to be ready for opening day

[zambonir]

Another Inquirer story mentioned Painter and Crawford's projections.

The projection models are promising. Crawford is pegged to bat .286/.337/.390 with seven homers, 29 steals, a 103 wRC+ (weighted runs created plus; 100 is league average), and 2.0 wins above replacement, based on the ZiPS forecasting system. Steamer, another system used by FanGraphs, has Painter for a 4.69 ERA in 133 innings.

Those would be solid numbers for a rookie No. 9 hitter and debutant No. 5 starter, with room to grow.

I would agree that's okay for a #5 starter but w/o Wheeler, Painter has to be the #4 (or Walker does), and of course that's a long drop from where we once imagined he might slot in originally (and as ROTY material). Doesn't sound like Wheeler will be out that long in any case.

And that kind of year by Crawford would be great. If he struggles in CF or the ground ball rate is a big issue, probably not quite that good.

Are they better? Are their top two stars still elite? Nine questions for the...

[andyb]

Not sure those projection models mean that much. Painter's 2025 was more proof of health than anything else and the projection is heavily based on those stats. Crawford's make more sense because there is more consistent data on him though I would say if he has a .337 OBP he is going to steal 50 bases.

If Painter is going to have a 4.69 ERA he'll be back down in AAA pretty quickly/ He is going to have to be better than that to start his service clock and lose that 7th half plus year of service time.

[andyb]

Not really much news today, but we have graduated from High Performance camp reports to official Spring Training reports.

2/11/26 : Today in Spring Training

[fish]

Geeez, it looks like Alvarado spent the winter eating his feelings. Not exactly the kind of fitness level you can count on for a full season of productivity.

[zambonir]

What are you looking at? You'd like to think he and the Phillies had a plan, given drugs were not an option. But he's always been hefty (except last year).

[andyb]

Zack Wheeler kept the rib that was removed to correct his thoracic outlet syndrome. It’s in his closet. He is happy with his progress. Orion Kerkering has a Grade 1 hamstring strain. He’ll be a little behind. So will Michael Mercado (shoulder) and Dan Robert (cardiovascular).

— Matt Gelb ( @MattGelb ) February 11, 2026

[zambonir]

I initially read that as, Robert was out of shape (like they've said about Michkov on the Flyers) but apparently he had some kind of event (rhythm issue maybe?) and has to have a stress test.

Phillies certainly did a nice job bringing back all of their fringe bottom-end and AAA depth relievers, some of whom had options last year but don't anymore.

[andyb]

Castellanos apparently asked not to report to Spring Training. I understand it would be awkward knowing he'd be dealt within the week. Or worse he played in games knowing he would be gone in some way.

But the Phillies really could have handled this better and they probably know it.

[zambonir]

I'm sure he didn't want to report anyway. But yeah.

If they actually manage to trade him in any way the optics don't really matter. If they don't, it will all seem a little silly. But Nick bears some responsibilty for the drama, and I'm sure privately it's no big deal, I.e. they've been in touch with him and his agent all along. There was just no way to avoid it becoming public once the clubhouse opened and his locker wasn't there anymore (even though he's not even technically required to be there yet).

[zambonir]

The Phillies are releasing Nick Castellanos.

— Matt Gelb ( @mattgelb.bsky.social ) February 12, 2026 at 2:20 PM

[zambonir]

Open 40-man spot!

[andyb]

We still get salary relief I believe if he signs somewhere. Might only be the minimum but even that is times 110%. I could still see a bit of a bidding war that could get him $2 million a year. Nobody wanted to give up a prospect for the right to do that however.