Observations from the start of Phillies spring training 2024

The first official day of spring is March 19, but Phillies fans adhere to a different calendar. Our first day of spring doesn’t involve the earth’s rotation or a rodent’s prediction.

Spring kicks off when pitchers and catchers arrive in Clearwater.

As the Delaware Valley grapples with low temperatures and the dreaded “wintry mix,” the Phillies are getting down to business in sunny Florida. The full squad won’t work out together until Monday, but activities will ramp up quickly, and we’re just nine days away from a baseball game (Feb. 24 vs. the Blue Jays in Dunedin).

Here are a few early spring storylines:

Outfield depth

It’s looking more and more like the Phillies expect Johan Rojas to be their everyday centerfielder this season. Brandon Marsh and Nick Castellanos will join him in the outfield. But if Rojas struggles at the plate, depth behind those three players remains a concern. There’s Cristian Pache, Jake Cave, and not much else in terms of options.

Asked about the outfield situation on Wednesday, Rob Thomson expressed confidence in Rojas, noting that the young defensive phenom has put in a lot of work over the offseason, both in the weight room and with hitting coach Kevin Long. Additionally, Thomson noted that “there’s a whole bunch of people out there that are free agents.”

The Phillies believe that players remaining on the market may turn to them if/when those players are unable to find an everyday spot with another team. Right now, the Phillies’ offer of part-time employment is still a hard sell.

Zack Wheeler

Last season, Aaron Nola pitched in the final year of his Phillies contract without knowing whether he’d be on the team in 2024. Nola eventually came to terms with the club as a free agent, but for a while his future with the Phils looked dicey.

This season, the Phillies hope to sign potential 2025 free agent Zack Wheeler to a new long-term deal before Opening Day.

Asked Tuesday about when a deal might get done, Wheeler told reporters “it could happen any time.” He wants to be paid what he’s worth, of course, but added that it’s “not all about the money.” Wheeler noted that he took less money for his first Phillies contract than other clubs offered him, and that he wants his family to be happy with his decision. “You don’t want to be miserable and being paid a lot,” said the Phillies ace.

What’s up with the jerseys?

An MLB press release on Tuesday announced that, beginning in spring training, all on-field jerseys worn by players (and retail options for fans) will be designed on a new “Nike Vapor Premier” chassis. “Designed over multiple years,” proclaimed the release proudly, “the Nike Vapor Premier jersey was engineered to improve mobility, moisture management and fit, while keeping sustainability in mind.”

Fans got a look at the Phillies’ version of the jerseys on Wednesday. The reaction?

“Looks like some bobo knockoff jersey you’d see someone trying to sell out of the trunk of their car.”

“Imagine selling cheapo jerseys out in front of the stadium for years and then you get on Twitter to learn your supplier is evidently now the team’s supplier.”

“Did a toddler do this?”

Many fans were quick to blame the already-despised Fanatics Inc. for the changes. But while Fanatics manufactures the jerseys, they do so according to Nike’s design specifications.

Nike is also responsible for the design of the Phillies’ “City Connect” jerseys, which may have leaked early and were widely panned.