Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Johan Rojas has impressed during spring training and has secured a spot on the Opening Day roster. Despite MLB.com Phillies insider Todd Zolecki not initially projecting Rojas for the 26-man roster, his standout performance and unique skill set set him apart from other competitors. The injury to Weston Wilson, who is sidelined with an oblique injury, likely played a key role in Rojas making the roster. Wilson’s absence has opened up opportunities for others vying for bench spots.
As a result, Buddy Kennedy and Kody Clemens now have an increased chance to make the roster.
Johan Rojas Roster Lock
In nine spring training games, Johan Rojas has posted a .292/.370/.583 line with two home runs and is tied for the team lead with seven RBI. He also boasts a 141 wRC+ and a .408 wOBA. Rojas’ .313 BABIP reflects a solid performance, and he has a 22.2% strikeout rate and a 7.4% walk rate. However, Rojas hasn’t played in the field this spring due to a shoulder injury sustained during the Dominican Winter League. As a result, he has exclusively served as the designated hitter. Notably, Rojas has yet to record a stolen base this spring, though he still has two minor league option years remaining.
Phillies hits leaders this spring:
10- Kody Clemens
8- Bryce Harper
8- Alec Bohm
8- Christian Arroyo
7- Johan Rojas
7- Otto Kemp
6- Max Kepler
6- Bryson Stott
6- Edmundo Sosapic.twitter.com/xXcrJzlsEM— Phillies Tailgate (@PhilsTailgate) March 12, 2025
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js
Last season Rojas had a .243/.279/.322 line with three home runs and 32 RBI in 120 major league games. Rojas recorded a 68 wRC+ and a .265 wOBA last season. To add Rojas had a .297 BABIP last season. Rojas has improved in each of those rate stat categories in spring training relative to last season. However last season in the majors Rojas had a 19.0% strikeout rate and a 3.6% walk rate. Rojas has a worse strikeout rate but an improved walk rate. Last season in the majors Rojas had 25 stolen bases. Rojas has shown enough improvement at the plate in spring training to the point the outfielder has earned a spot on the Phillies opening day roster.
Bench Spot Competition
While Rojas has excelled other competitors are also having a great spring. Kennedy has a .200/.393/.700 line with three home runs, which is tied for the team lead, and seven RBI in 12 games. Additionally Kennedy has a 160 wRC+ along with a .437 wOBA this spring. Clemens has a .370/.393/.704 line with two home runs and five RBI in 11 games. To add Clemens has a 176 wRC+ and a .462 wOBA this spring. Christian Arroyo has emerged as a competitor for the role. Arroyo has a .348/.423/.609 line with two home runs and six RBI in 12 games. A non-roster invitee Arroyo has a 165 wRC+ and a .445 wOBA in spring training. This will lead to a challenging decision for the Phillies.
Kennedy, Clemens, Arroyo and Edmundo Sosa have all spent time in the outfield this spring. Zolecki mentioned in his roster projection that how the club feels about Sosa playing outfield could lead to Rojas starting the season in Triple-A. Kennedy and Clemens are out of minor league options which could be a factor though. Sosa has played center field this spring. Kennedy, Clemens and Arroyo have not. If the team chooses to leave Rojas off the opening day roster they are taking a huge gamble with the outfield. Rojas has 19 Defensive Runs Saved in center field which ranks fourth among those with at least 1000 innings at the position since 2023.
Defense should matter here.
Main Photo: © Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
The post Johan Rojas Has Locked In His Spot on Phillies Opening Day Roster appeared first on Last Word On Baseball.