As the 2025 MLB season approaches, the Miami Marlins have made an unexpected move involving a key player from the Philadelphia Phillies.

© Mark Brown/Getty Images A general view of the new Marlins logo on the scoreboard at Marlins Park prior to the game between the Miami Marlins and the Colorado Rockies at Marlins Park on March 29, 2019 in Miami, Florida.

With Opening Day fast approaching, MLB teams are making final roster moves to prepare for the start of the season. The Miami Marlins, eager to make a strong push this year, surprised fans with a new acquisition from the Philadelphia Phillies.

While the Marlins haven’t made a blockbuster move, their fans were pleased with the return of ace Sandy Alcantara from the injury list and the hiring of new head coach Clayton McCullough, who previously worked with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Both announcements were well-received on social media.

However, the latest move has drawn mixed reactions from the fanbase. To make room for the Phillies‘ addition, the Marlins were forced to designate a player for assignment. “The Miami Marlins today acquired RHP Tyler Phillips in exchange for cash considerations,” the team announced via their X account.

The deal quickly sparked commentary on social media, with some fans taking to the platform to express their thoughts. One fan joked, “Big move”, accompanied by a smiling emoji, while another fan commented, “Poor Seth, man. Dude’s been ping-ponged all preseason.”

Tyler Phillips #48 of the Philadelphia Phillies poses for a portrait during the Philadelphia Phillies Photo Day at BayCare Ballpark on February 20, 2025 in Clearwater, Florida.

Phillies fans react to player announcement

Phillies fans were taken back by the announcement that a key player, who worked hard to help the team reach the playoffs and even participated in spring training with Philadelphia, will be wearing a Marlins jersey in 2025. The news stirred surprise among fans, especially since the financial details of the Marlins’ acquisition were not immediately revealed.

“Every year it’s the same old story—every top prospect shows up in camp, and one by one, they’re sent back to the minors, DFA’d, or traded, leaving us with the same core team as always,” one Phillies fan tweeted on the official X account following the announcement.

Some fans took a humorous approach to the news, especially since the deal was made for cash considerations. One fan joked, “Considerations is back home,” while another quipped, “I hope Cash can pitch.” One more fan took a jab at another player, writing, “He’s better than Taijuan.”

Marlins and Phillies kick off 2025 season

This Thursday, the Miami Marlins will be among the first teams to take the field for MLB Opening Day. Their opponent, the Pittsburgh Pirates, have made few changes to their roster but are aiming to improve their performance in 2025. The game will take place at LoanDepot Park in Miami.

At the same time (4:05 ET), the Philadelphia Phillies will face the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C. For the Phillies, the Nationals offer a favorable matchup to begin the season, as the Nationals have struggled in recent years.