The Phillies are (finally) changing the vibes

The vibes are changing.

On Thursday, the Phillies made official what long seemed logical: Garrett Stubbs was optioned to Triple-A, clearing the way for Rafael Marchan to act as J.T. Realmuto’s primary backup catcher this season.

The on-the-surface reason is impossible to argue: Marchan was out of options, thus subject to waivers if the Phillies tried to send him back down. There’s a very real chance another team would have claimed him. Having Marchan in the majors and Stubbs as insurance in Triple-A is way better for the organization than Stubbs here and Marchan gone. And as the Phillies enter the final year of Realmuto’s deal , finding out what kind of workload Marchan can handle is a big part of the calculus on the future of the position.

But, what about the vibes?

Do those not matter anymore in a clubhouse that seemed to thrive on them for back-to-back deep playoff runs in 2022 and 2023?