The Philadelphia Phillies will soon welcome back several players to spring training in Clearwater, as a handful of teams have already been eliminated from the 2026 World Baseball Classic.
With the tournament narrowing its field, some Phillies participants are now heading back to Florida — and their return could immediately intensify several roster competitions inside camp.
WBC exits bring Phillies back to Clearwater
Team Israel’s elimination on Monday means catcher Garrett Stubbs and right-handed reliever Max Lazar are expected to return to the Phillies within the next 48 hours.
Both players were competing in Pool D and still have one scheduled game remaining against the Netherlands, but with advancement already decided, their focus will soon shift back to the Phillies’ roster race.
Meanwhile, Panama was knocked out by Colombia, ending the tournament run for utility infielder Edmundo Sosa, who will also rejoin the club.
The Phillies have been heavily represented in the tournament, with multiple players leaving camp earlier this month to represent their countries.
Edmundo Sosa had a solid showing
Sosa delivered a respectable performance during pool play.
The veteran infielder finished 4-for-16 (.250) with a double, a walk, and five strikeouts while serving as Panama’s starting third baseman in all four games.
He even provided a clutch moment late in Panama’s final game. With two outs in the eighth inning, Sosa singled to put runners on the corners, extending the inning and helping his team cut the deficit to one run before ultimately falling 4–3 to Colombia.
Sosa entered the tournament as one of the most experienced players on Panama’s roster, marking his second appearance in the World Baseball Classic.
Stubbs and Lazar fighting for roster spots
Back in Clearwater, the stakes will immediately be high for both Stubbs and Lazar.
Stubbs, a veteran catcher, is battling Rafael Marchán for the backup role behind J.T. Realmuto. The competition is particularly intense because both players are out of minor league options, meaning the Phillies cannot send either down without exposing them to waivers.
During WBC pool play, Stubbs struggled at the plate, going 1-for-10 (.100) with a triple and four strikeouts while appearing in three games for Israel.
Lazar, meanwhile, saw limited action but made the most of his opportunity. The 26-year-old reliever recorded two outs in his lone appearance, efficiently retiring both left-handed hitters he faced.
His ability to handle hitters from both sides of the plate could be a major advantage in the Phillies’ bullpen battle.
Bullpen competition still crowded
The Phillies currently have 12 relievers competing for just two available bullpen spots, making every outing in camp critical.
Lazar already has some familiarity working out of Philadelphia’s bullpen, appearing in 47 games across the past two seasons with the team.
That experience could give him an edge as the coaching staff begins final evaluations.
More Phillies still active in the WBC
While some players are returning, several Phillies remain active in the tournament.
Among those still competing are:
- Bryce Harper, Kyle Schwarber and Brad Keller (Team USA)
- Cristopher Sánchez (Dominican Republic)
- Aaron Nola and Dante Nori (Italy)
- Taijuan Walker (Mexico)
With the United States, Italy and Mexico all competing in the same pool, only two of the three teams will advance, meaning more Phillies could soon be on their way back to Clearwater as the tournament continues.
Camp getting closer to final decisions
The Phillies have already begun trimming their spring roster, sending several players to minor league camp as Opening Day approaches.
But the return of players from the World Baseball Classic adds another wrinkle to the evaluation process.
For competitors like Stubbs and Lazar, the next few days in Clearwater may ultimately determine whether they begin the season in Philadelphia — or somewhere else in the organization.
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