The Philadelphia Phillies still have several important decisions to make as they look to rebound from a disappointing season.

Even though the front office has reportedly settled one of its biggest questions by deciding who will lead the team next year, the work of reshaping the roster is only beginning.

“The Philadelphia Phillies are expected to name Don Mattingly as their full-time manager, with the decision formalized sometime this week,” Matt Gelb and Charlotte Varnes reported for The Athletic . “Now, after retaining Mattingly, the Phillies can focus on other priorities as they begin an unusual offseason.”

With Mattingly returning to the helm, Philadelphia can turn its attention to the roster mix. And one member of the organization’s catching depth has already made a decision about his next step.

Philadelphia Phillies Catcher Elects Free Agency Shortly After Playoff Elimination

Veteran catcher Payton Henry elected free agency on Tuesday, according to the official transaction log , ending his stint in the Phillies organization after a very short stay.

The 29-year-old spent much of the season providing organizational depth, including a brief return to the major leagues in midsummer. The Phillies signed Henry to a minor-league contract on July 4 after he was released by the New York Yankees’ Triple-A affiliate. The Phillies then selected his contract on July 24 when injuries created a need behind the plate, but he never appeared in a game.

Henry’s major-league experience remains limited. He previously appeared with the Miami Marlins in 2021 and 2022 before spending subsequent seasons in the minor leagues with several organizations, including the Milwaukee Brewers, Toronto Blue Jays, Yankees and Phillies.

But his offensive production in the upper minors, combined with plenty of professional experience, has made him a valued depth option behind the dish.

“In 1,062 Triple-A plate appearances, he has a .249/.321/.391 line, decent enough for a depth catcher thanks to his 33 home runs hit at that level,” Darragh McDonald reported for MLB Trade Rumors . “Baseball Prospectus ranks his framing, blocking and work with the running game as close to average at the Triple-A level.”

Philadelphia Phillies Have Catcher Decision To Make After Veteran Exit

Henry’s departure won’t be the most consequential move Philadelphia sees this winter, but it represents a notable initial change as the organization evaluates its options.

The Phillies have relied on J.T. Realmuto as their primary catcher, with Garrett Stubbs and Rafael Marchan among the players providing additional depth, though fans might be hoping for more from the catcher mix next season.

Henry’s brief promotion with the Phillies came amid injuries to the catching group, illustrating the importance of having experienced options available throughout a long season. Now, Philadelphia must determine how best to assemble its roster for 2027 while addressing the shortcomings that contributed to its disappointing campaign.