"Just take what you're given," sounds like a moto for Garrett Stubbs at this point of his career. The Philadelphia Phillies', now, 3rd catcher on the depth chart has been smiling through any task he's been given in 2025.
To start the year, Stubbs was optioned to Triple-A Lehigh Valley in favor of Rafael Marchan. Stubbs didn't fret. Instead, he took the challenge head-on.
"I went down to Triple-A and tried to get as many pitchers ready for the big leagues as possible," said Stubbs. One of those pitchers shut down the Phillies' offense on Saturday night. Mick Abel returned with the Minnesota Twins after being traded for Jhoan Duran and pitched six shutout innings.
"It's cool and you're proud of a kid who maybe struggled his first few years and now he's getting opportunities in the big leagues," the California native said before Saturday's game. "Even though they're not with us, you still hope for a lot of success from guys that were in this locker room."
On top of aiding young pitchers in their development, the 32-year-old hit fairly well in his 71 games as an IronPig. He hit .265 with a .753 OPS. His work earned himself a spot on the expanded 28-man roster on September 1st.
"It's why you play the game," Stubbs said on the promotion. "You don't play the game to be in Triple-A. You play the game to be in the big leagues."
While he hasn't seen much in-game action, his contributions to the clubhouse have been notable. Since his elevation from Triple-A, the Phillies have gone 16-7 in the month of September.
"The fun in the locker room has been at an all-time high," Garrett said. One physical manifestation of the fun has come in the form of T-shirts that Stubbs, himself, has designed. So far, Harrison Bader's "What a gift" and JT Realmuto's "Whatever the hell it takes, Topper" have made it to the Stubbs clothing brand.
"The shirts are just a fun thing for us to hang behind and guys like them and so do the fans," said Stubbs.
As for the other fun in the clubhouse, Stubbs teased new songs on the Phillies' Spotify playlist. "We've got a few. [We] have to win the NLDS for the people to hear them."
Everything Stubbs has brought to the Phillies in his various roles have led many people to speculate on his potential as a future coach. He would consider that patch, but Stubbs currently has a bigger picture in mind.
"I would definitely listen to the opportunity," said Stubbs on a possible coaching future. "It'd have to be a good one." Stubbs noted that with a baby on the way he'd like to be able to enjoy family life which is difficult in a baseball lifestyle.
Whatever is in store for the fan-favorite next, he'll surely attack it full force. For now, the Phillies and himself start the march through the postseason in the NLDS this coming Saturday.
