4 Phillies Who Could Shine in Spring Training Thanks to World Baseball Classic Absences
With a large chunk of the Phillies’ core heading off to represent their countries in the World Baseball Classic - including big names like Bryce Harper, Kyle Schwarber, Aaron Nola, Cristopher Sánchez, and José Alvarado - there’s suddenly a lot more room in camp for others to step into the spotlight. This isn’t just about filling innings or at-bats. It’s about opportunity - the kind that can change a player’s season, or even their career.
Here are four Phillies who stand to benefit most from the increased playing time this spring.
Bryan De La Cruz, OF
Bryan De La Cruz is no stranger to the big leagues, but he’s looking to reestablish himself after a quiet 2025. Signed to a minor league deal in November, De La Cruz comes into camp as a non-roster invitee with something to prove - and now, with several outfielders away at the WBC, he’s going to have the stage to do it.
The 27-year-old outfielder has logged nearly 500 MLB games, most of them with the Marlins, and his 2023 season showed what he’s capable of when given regular playing time. He played in 153 games that year, launching 19 homers and driving in 78 runs with a .257/.304/.411 slash line. That kind of production, especially from a right-handed bat, makes him a real candidate to compete for a platoon role in left field alongside Brandon Marsh.
If De La Cruz can tap into that 2023 form, he could push his way into the Phillies’ plans for Opening Day - or at the very least, put himself on the short list for a call-up later in the year.
Gabriel Rincones Jr., OF
Gabriel Rincones Jr. turned some heads last spring with his raw power, and now he’s got another chance to build on that momentum. With Schwarber out of the DH spot and Harper also away, Rincones should see a healthy dose of at-bats this March - which could be huge for a player on the verge of breaking through.
Last season with Triple-A Lehigh Valley, Rincones hit 18 home runs and drove in 73 while slashing .240/.370/.430 in 119 games. That .800 OPS speaks to his ability to get on base and do damage when he connects. The left-handed bat has the kind of upside that could make him a useful piece in a future platoon - potentially even with someone like Adolis García in right field down the line.
But first, he needs to keep showing he can handle upper-level pitching. Spring training offers that test - and if he passes, we could see Rincones make his MLB debut in 2026.
Andrew Painter, RHP
Andrew Painter’s road back from Tommy John surgery hasn’t been without bumps, but the Phillies are still banking on his talent - and this spring, he’ll have every chance to show why.
With Nola, Sánchez, and Walker away for the WBC, and Zack Wheeler’s status still uncertain, the 22-year-old Painter is going to get plenty of innings to work with. That’s good news for both the team and the pitcher, who’s looking to build consistency after a shaky 2025.
In his return season, Painter went 5-6 with a 5.26 ERA and 123 strikeouts in 26 starts - 22 of those coming with Lehigh Valley. The stuff is still there, but command and rhythm were understandably inconsistent after the layoff. Now, with an extended look in spring training, Painter has a chance to settle in, find his groove, and enter the regular season with some real momentum.
If he can do that, he won’t just make the Opening Day roster - he could become a key piece of the rotation early on.
Otto Kemp, INF/OF
Versatility is Otto Kemp’s calling card, and this spring is setting up to be a perfect showcase for it. With both Harper and Schwarber away, Kemp is in line for a significant boost in playing time - and he’s already considered a frontrunner for a platoon role in left field.
Kemp made his MLB debut last season, appearing in 62 games and putting together a .234/.298/.411 line with eight home runs and 28 RBIs. Not eye-popping numbers, but solid production for a rookie adjusting to big-league pitching. What makes him especially valuable is his ability to move around the diamond - he’s played both first and third base, and that flexibility could be a major asset for the Phillies in 2026.
The California native has a shot to solidify his role on the roster if he gets off to a hot start this spring. Whether it’s in left field, at the corners, or off the bench, Kemp’s path to more playing time starts now.
Bottom Line
The World Baseball Classic may pull some stars away from camp, but it opens the door for others to step up. For players like De La Cruz, Rincones, Painter, and Kemp, this spring isn’t just about preparation - it’s about opportunity. And if they make the most of it, the Phillies could have some tough - and very welcome - decisions to make when camp breaks.