There has been plenty of mutual interest between the Phillies and Kyle Schwarber, leading to a sense around the league (and among MLBTR’s staff) that Schwarber’s free agent path will ultimately lead him back to the City of Brotherly Love. It doesn’t appear, however, that a reunion is imminent, as MLB.com’s Todd Zolecki wrote earlier this week that the two sides “are not close to a deal.”
Zolecki didn’t specify if there has been any standstill in talks, or if there is a sizable gap between the two sides in terms of money or contract length. By that same measure, there’s also nothing to indicate that talks couldn’t heat up with a single phone call. All in all, the news shouldn’t be construed as a sign that Schwarber won’t eventually return, or that either party is favoring another option.
It has only been a little over three weeks since free agents have been allowed to negotiate with other teams, and most of the top names on the market are still testing the waters. A couple of the most prominent early signings (Josh Naylor to the Mariners, Raisel Iglesias to the Braves) did involve players quickly opting to re-up with their former teams, which perhaps raised hopes among Philadelphia fans that a new deal with Schwarber might also resolved in rapid fashion. A little over two years ago, Aaron Nola entered free agency but then worked out his seven-year, $172MM deal with the Phillies within just a couple of weeks of the market opening.
As Zolecki simply puts it, “there’s no reason to rush it” for Schwarber’s camp at this point, given how much interest the slugger is generating in the wake of his 56-homer season. The Red Sox, Orioles, and (surprisingly) the Pirates have all been publicly linked to Schwarber’s market thus far, plus the Reds have been mentioned as a speculative contender since they need hitting help and Schwarber is from the Cincinnati area. DH-only players entering their age-33 seasons don’t usually command the kind of attention Schwarber is garnering, but then again, Schwarber’s career year is just one of 23 seasons of 56+ home runs in baseball history.
The fact that Schwarber is essentially the Phillies’ top priority (give or take J.T. Realmuto) gives the slugger added leverage. He and his agents can likely afford to wait and see what other offers emerge, with the comfort of knowing that Philadelphia might well match or top whatever rival offer is put on the table. From the Phillies’ perspective, they will likely wait on Schwarber before proceeding with any other major offseason business, apart from matters that wouldn’t be impacted by Schwarber staying or leaving — i.e. negotiating with Realmuto, trying to trade Nick Castellanos, or perhaps looking for bullpen help.
There’s some risk for the Phillies in that if Schwarber signed elsewhere after taking several more weeks, the Phils could be left behind in their offseason shopping if other free agents have already left the market. That said, rival agents are also aware of this scenario, and could advise their clients to wait on their own decisions just in case a Schwarber-less Phillies team suddenly broadens its free agent horizons.
This is common as it’s still November. Schwarber starts off with a ridiculously high ask. Then when he starts to get offers Phillies deal with the market.
This isn’t to say Schwarber will sign with the Phillies. Plenty of teams will be in on him and can pry him away. But I don’t see the idea of them not being close as a pro or con. Same thing happened with Realmuto a few years back.
Honestly, it’s weird seeing a Phillies lineup without Schwarber hitting leadoff.
Clo – Why? He batted leadoff in only 11 games this year.
Phillies finally realized how silly it was having all that power in the leadoff spot.
They overpay for Trae Turner then proceed to bat him behind a chunky, slow power hitter. Genius I tell you.
I could see schwarber linger until late February-early March since he has questions with his age and being a DH
And if I’m the Phillies GM, my priority is shaking up the lineup — not walking back the same top six or seven in ‘26 and hope to come up with different results.
The results weren’t bad.
Should they sign Murakami or Okamoto? Alonso and Schwarber are pretty similar but I would go Schwarber for the shorter contract.
What other options do they have? Go big for Tucker?
It’s not like those results have been bad. They’ve finished with a better regular season record every season. Playoffs is about getting hot at the right time. They had a tough draw with LA and lost 3 very close games. While I think change would be good, I also think it’s important not to overestimate the significance of those losses.
hope to come up with different results.
===================
Hoping to improve on the 2nd best record in baseball is a tall order.
He’s going into his age 33 season, so he has plenty left in the tank to DH, and he’s hit nearly 200 dingers in the past 4 years.
Some team that wants to win it all will say “screw it, we can go 5 years” way before then.
Really? Name one productive 35 year old hitter?
Freddie Freeman is 36.
@ kcmark:
George Springer 161 OPS+
Giancarlo Stanton 158 OPS+
Freddie Freeman 141 OPS+
Max Muncy 136 OPS+
While it is generally true that most guys don’t do well in later years, there are always exceptions.
Kcmark – Productive 35 year old hitters are a rarity. I can think of only a couple. Freddie Freeman, Jose Altuve, maybe Goldschmit
Didn’t realize Muncy was 35+
Altuve and goldy have started to fall off, the people that produce in older seasons are probably future hall of famers
Andrew McCutchen.
David Ortiz, Barry Bonds
Cutch has NOT been an all star player in his mid 30s, but even he might still make the Hall of fame
If andruw jones gets in I think cutch will be able too
Jones was way better than Cutch and should already be in the hall.
Productive does not mean all-star level.
1000%
George Springer
Canuck – Great response!
And if we included former players, a whole lot more including Ortiz.
True but Schwarber will want more than two years.
Juice
Thar kind of ì⁹i0thinking isn’t going to get it done. Schwarber is an exception and he should be. He is as solid a dude as there is. You always can be assured of one thing – you will always get his best effort. Can’t say that about everyone. They need his leadership as much as they need his bat.
It is still November….for one day
Honestly, it’s a good thing….as much as I want Schwarber back….I don’t want to overpay. As much as I want 205 Schwarber in the Phillies lineup the next 3 years….the odds of that happening even if we sign him are remote. He is at an age where natural regression is to be expected every year. Combine that with return to means where his OPS the prior three years with the Phils was about 75 pts lower. It’s clear he wants to test the market, it’s clear he’s intrigued at least a little about playing for his hometown Reds. Let the Market determine his value, and if some GMs offer insane values….Pivot….It’s not as if DH is our only whole. Maybe sign a FA OFer. Maybe trade for one for a team looking to cut Salary. Since we likely can’t move NickC, he could slide into the DH. Maybe the upgraded OF Defense can offset some hitting loss. Maybe you can sign 2 or 3 players for the cost of Schwarbomb. I very much want him back, but you must avoid being overtaken by emotions and nostalgia.
The Sox are going to run up the price for Schwarber or Realmuto and make the Phillies choose.
Great time for the Red Sox to strike!
Schwarber would be loved in Boston as the second coming of Big Papi.
6 year deal gets him to about age 40 (which is how Ortiz was when he retired) and he was still hitting well.
Yeah but it’s harder to get away with the jooooos nowadays!
I think my biggest problem with the Sox over-reliance on analytics is the “analysis-paralysis” that affects the decision making. Signing Refsynder or Romy Gonzalez is easy and if you fail, so flush a few million bucks down the drain and you won’t get fired.
Not Breslow’s fault but Schwarber was here and the Sox let him walk without even a decent offer. Last year Alonso was there for the taking, 3yrs and under $100m. Instead, we gave up $40m and a “coveted” pick for one year of Bregman. Imagine a Devers, Alonso back to back lineup? Anyway, forget I brought up the D name
Analytics heavy GMs and POBOs don’t view the team as a Unit, but rather 26 I dividual silos, and, are too nervous about making a wrong decision than trusting their baseball instincts.
The laws of average always take precedent. Schwarber probably has two good years left.
Those are the two years some team will sign him to four years to get.
Wade- I think the Cease contract finally put these long term overpays into focus for me.
Whatever you think about Cease we all know he’s a useful SP who has (barring injury) 3 or 4 very good to good years left. So, why would any team buy 7yrs?
If the Blue Jays win one or (gasp) two World Series during the life of that contract, the increased revenue, ticket price increase,television, merchandising pays the out years off…..
And, maybe, if youre lucky enough, maybe you pair him with a hot-shot prospect and get someone else to pay off 1yr.
The dollar value on these contracts are fungible. Not saying any POBO or GM should be overly reckless, but much like in the case of Devers, if youre getting multiple great to very good years out of player fans should not be worrying about seven years from now
He was magical with the Red Sox (which was the last time they were really good)
I think they’re the favorite to sign him and then they will trade 1 of Duran or abreu or Rafaela to get a 1st baseman or a pitcher
My guess is Duran goes to padres
The Phils are the prohibitive favorite to bring him back unless someone overpays in a big way. They love him; he loves the Phils and the fans and he wants to win with this crew if possible.
The RS are competitors for sure but would have to pry him away with a ridiculous offer such that even Middleton would have to walk away.
Kevin Long is a huge factor too.
I think he wants to come home to Cincinnati, but convincing them to spend money is gonna take a miracle.
He just wants the most money like they all do.
I think a lot of them have preferences on location and competitive teams that factor in as well
He just wants the most money like they all do.
==========================
Speak for yourself. People with money often don’t make money their priority.
RedLegJason: How do you know that other than your wishful thinking?
It’s not his wishful thinking. He’s been quoted as saying he would love to come home to play closer to his family since Middletown, Ohio is not only his hometown but it’s also his wife’s hometown. He mentioned that and wanting his kids to be closer to the rest of their family on both sides that still lives there.
Because I’ve heard the words that have come out of his mouth
I agree, but I want him back with the Cubs. A 4 yr deal; the first two years at $30m each, no bonuses other than $5m for WS MVP, or NL MVP, then the next two years at $10m each, with decent $4m bonuses for AS selections, NLCS and WS MVP’s or leading the NL in HR’s. And as a sweetener, a $10m bonus for any two straight WS or NL MVP awards.
That’s an absolute minimum of $80m thru his age 37 season. For that money, the Cubs would get the leadership Justin Turner provided, and the jersey sales would be off the charts.
It’ll never happen, but it should. Schwarber is a Cubs legend, and should retire in a few years as a Cub. It’s a chance for Hoyer to fix the biggest mistake he ever made as a Cubs exec. But if not, then I wouldn’t mind seeing him go to the Reds.
CubsAreMidButTheresAlwaysHope: Why? There’s really no “should” about this.
Hopefully he gets a better deal somewhere else. Time for Phillies to move on from a one dimensional player.
I 100% agree. Nothing against Schwarber. He’ll be a great fit in a lot of places. And yeah, sure, he’d be a nice fit in Philly for maybe 2-3 years (if they still made other key additions). But he is likely to get a minimum of 4 years in free agency. And I would much rather the Phillies spend that money elsewhere.
I’d rather they pursue Cody Bellinger and bring back Bader to solidify the outfield (get rid of Castellanos, play Marsh in some type of platoon if he can’t handle full time at bats there, and allow a prospect to be the 4th (or 5th) outfielder/a guy to call up during the season, etc to hopefully solidify the OF).
It would also be great if they could actually obtain Ketel Marte. Bring back Realmuto if they can’t obtain a worthwhile other option behind the plate (I’d welcome him back all the more provided they made some of these other ideas happen). And I’d also like to see Bohm dealt and replaced with a solid veteran of sorts over there.
Then bring in a BP arm or two and starting pitching depth. I may even be open to trading Painter (and Stott if they actually got Marte) to get things done elsewhere IF and only if they could manage to sign Ranger Saurez (or another premium starter I suppose).
I’m not saying it’s possible to do all of the above, or that any single one of these maneuvers would be easily accomplished by any means. But it’s the type of thought pattern and approach I hope the Phillies are open to this offseason as opposed to primarily “running it back.”
Hopefully the Phils will not “run it back”. Maybe they should really think outside the box and put Turner in centerfield with his speed , put Aiden Miller at short, resign Suarez and Realmuto, and go after Tucker. Schwarber is a player, but not worth a long term contract..
HeyB: But has Turner ever played the outfield? Not every fast player is capable of switching positions just like that.
Remember Juan Samuel? The Phillies and Mets tried moving him from second base to centerfield with disastrous results.
True enough, but until this year, Turner has been a subpar defensive player and with all the outfield problems the Phils have….. I believe it’s worth the risk. His contract is firm, so he’s not going anywhere and playing a younger guy at short might bring some life to the whole team.
Yea he played some CF for the Nats as a rookie and did just fine
Jabronathon: Looks like he played 45 games there in 2016 at age 22. Almost 10 years ago.
That’s forever and a day in baseball chronology.
Ohtani was a one dimensional player in 2024. That turned out well.
Where’s the problem if it’s the right player?
Schwarber isn’t toeing the slab anytime soon.
2024 he was hitting only
@ADF
The number of years and amount of money needed to sign him (in this particular case).
If signing him truly wouldn’t impede them making other moves than sure, I’d sign him. But that isn’t the case. The Phillies spend, but they still have a limit.
Kruk,
I completely understand the money and trying to keep flexibility.
But saying one of the top hitters in baseball isn’t worthwhile because he’s not a great fielder isn’t that best take considering his offensive production was extremely valuable. Not to mention what else he brings to the team in intangibles.
But some (not all) stat nerds think the stats are everything. Those are the same ones they keep saying Max Muncy needs to be traded because some stat or other.
That one dimension is pretty good though
7 Years/$260 million, I seriously don’t get why this is so hard.
It’s easy to say it when it’s not your money. It’s a lot more difficult to pay it out when it is.
Simply put, Big, and exactly right. Most who post on this site seem to think that their team has a bottomless pit of dollars which can be doled out to any free agent who comes along. My advice is to spend responsibly. Adding a player for several years on a contract of hundreds of millions is likely to be irresponsible.
Oh “but the owner is a billionaire and should spend, even foolishly”
realsox: Although it was the Phillies owner who famously said he expected to spend “stupid money” just before signing Bryce Harper.
Honestly the consensus here seems to be that teams should spend more but also the players should be paid less.
MuleorAstroMule: Who thinks the players should be paid less? Certainly not me.
Lots of people on here seem to think that every single FA signing is an overpay
Alfred: Read the comments under the Dylan Cease signing. Lots of strong opinions about how much players are worth there.
The consensus is also that all 30 teams should be over .500 and that they should all be in the playoffs.
I like Schwarber, but if they can’t get a fair deal done quickly, I’d focus on right handed bats who are younger, speedier and can play defense.
Bill M: And many of them are so naive, they believe that if the players were paid less, it would magically become cheaper to attend games.
As if.
Cause he’s 33 years old and can’t play defense. He’s a great player but his archetype doesn’t necessarily look to age well
A DH, almost 33 and a career .231 hitter. Plus he wants a 7 year deal. They will be looking to dump him in the last few years when he hits under .200.
That would be an insane offer he’d accept instantly.
Five years, $160 million, with Phillies most likely
Is that actually in the ballpark? Not trolling, but that seems really high to me. He’s 33 and doesn’t play a position; a DH has never commanded that length or dollars in a FA contract.
I’d love to hear everyone’s thoughts.
He’s not getting 32 aav unless it’s 2-3 years imo
Even without a position, Schwarber is worth more than Alonso and Munetaka.
Schwarber is a good fit for any team in baseball except Dodgers and Angels, who, respectively, have Ohtani and Trout locked in at DH.
I think he gets five years at $160 million although six years at $160 million also would not surprise me.
I kind of figured 4/100 type of thing? Maybe I’m way too low…,
7/160
8/160
…
Contract lengths and totals can be almost anything. Present Value is most of what matters. And, yes, you can make 5/160 equal to 8/160. You can even make it worth more.
I highly doubt he gets 32mil aav but this site prediction says 5 yrs 135 ish? But Cease 7yrs 30mil and that blew the doors off most predictions….not sure if Boras is Kyles agent if he is this could be a tactic to get people talking . He will sign at winter meeting is my guess.
That’s a joke, right?
5/110
Hey… Kyle’s mom: No one is giving a 33-year old DH a 7-year deal at over $37 million a year.
I guarantee the Phillies are closer than the pathetic Pirates in getting Schwarber
Pirates are up to 25 bucks
5 years, $200 dollars and a $5 coupon on concessions. Final offer.
—Bob Nutting and his wallet
The Pirates PR department put out the word that they’re “in” in pursuing Schwarber. But I mean, c’mon, you never believed they were going to outdo other franchises, did you?
The suggestion that the Pirates are players for top flight free agents was planted just as season ticket renewal mails went out. Quite a coincidence. I’m a fan in Pittsburgh and there is no way anyone like Schwarber is in play. The only question is when they will sign this year’s Tommy Pham.
Agree completely. I do look at the potential Cardinals targets (another article) as being more in keeping with their mindset IF they are looking to improve their offense.
A big If
Me? They’ll be perusing the bottom tier of free agents and guys who’d make negligible impact at best as trade targets.
Nutting wants to win in his ledger. That is all that matters to him
You’d have a hard time convincing me that Pirates arent WS contenders if they sign Kyle
The reality would be more like an 80-82 win team that struggles to get a wild card berth.
One guy isn’t make much of a difference, especially when the rest of the lineup can’t hit
KG
Horwitz
Schwarber
Reynolds
Cruz
Bart
With a lights out rotation. Theyd be extremely dangerous, assuming KG lives up to ROY potential. Hes not a normal top prospect, he’s a game changer like Mike Trout
2 elite bats, makes an immeasurable difference. Pirates fans are just so used to losing they can’t see it yet. The lineup was terrible on its own, but is a quite servicable core to surround a leadoff (KG) and cleanup hitter (KS) , especially if Reynolds and Cruz bounce back after tough seasons
Goku, do you actually watch the Pirates?
Bart returned to pre-2024 form last season
I’d prefer they trade him
Reynolds is an average outfielder, at best, and he’s regressed greatly as a hitter
Cruz? He hit around the Mendoza Line for most of the year. He hits occasional bombs and I’m guessing that exit velocity excites you. He’s a butcher in the outfield and dogs it way too often
You’re putting a lot of faith in Griffin and he’s only 18 or so.
I’ll grant you this: in a short series their pitching makes them dangerous. But how would they get there? They can’t hit. They can’t field.
I agree im not 100% sold on it, but cant discount what adding a perceived talent like KG and a proven talent like Kyle can add to any lineup
Id love to see Cruz figure it out at the plate . Maybe even get something out of Davis too
Well if it means anything, I hope they get a big bat, Schwarber or whomever, and become as scary as you predict
Nor should they be…let the market determine his value
Schwarber obviously waiting on the Pirate offer. LOL.
Only if he wants to lead the league in walks.
Or break Barry Bonds 73 HR record with PNC Park’s short RF wall while winning a WS with Paul Skenes and KG
Of course they are not. Baseball’s free agency period is a slow process. And we are not even a month into it.
Haven’t even got to the winter meetings yet!
It’s November
“It doesn’t mean he won’t sign, but it doesn’t mean he will sign. It also doesn’t mean that things can’t heat right back up with a phone call. Then again, maybe not”
lol thanks, got it
That’s exactly what I thought when I read it too.
You might be right. But maybe not. You might also be wrong.
For what it’s worth, Forbes says the Phillies made big profits for 2017-2020. I know it’s all just estimates, but the Forbes numbers are believable if you look at the Phillies’ much lower payrolls for those years. As the franchise’s payrolls have soared over 2021-2025, those profits have evaporated.
Maybe Middleton is tired of chasing that elusive World Series win with ever bigger payrolls. So he might be reigning in the spending spree, at least just a little. Is that why we’re hearing so much about other teams pursuing Schwarber? They might sense an opportunity if the Phillies really are tightening the belt.
All that said, I think the Phillies will finally gulp and give Schwarber a massive deal. The fanbase would mutiny otherwise.
John Middleton doesn’t seem to be the type of owner to cut costs and go all in on profit taking. He enjoys an average attendance of 97% capacity, merchandise flies off the shelves, and has a pretty good tv deal (for now).
He’s not going to mess with a very good thing.
Middleton took in three new investors who plowed $500 million into the club. The new guys might be looking for some return on their money, so they could be nudging the club to tamp down the spending a little.
Sure, some guys like Cohen will just toss ridiculous money down the crapper because they’ve got such deep pockets. But after a while some fiscal sanity starts to kick in for most franchises. The Phillies do have a solid TV contract and great ticket sales. They also have an aging team that’s getting really expensive.
But in the end I think they’ll grit their teeth and give Schwarber stupid money, to use a Middleton phrase.
He didn’t bring in new investors just so he could cut spending to give them a better return – that is not how Middleton operates.
I don’t have the foggiest how Middleton operates because he doesn’t call me on the phone with his latest ideas. But when you let other guys in on ownership, you’re not operating on your own any more. The other guys might be looking at the aging roster and the worsening bottom line and getting a little antsy. Especially when it comes to a big contract for an older DH-only player.
So it wouldn’t amaze me to see another club swoop in on Schwarber. But I would still bet on the Phillies keeping him.
Here’s hoping Painter, Crawford, and Miller start paying some much needed dividends.
In Philly a number of fans actually do have an idea how he operates, as he is rather authentic and transparent and honest in his approach to the team.
The investors that were brought in have a very low % of ownership rather than a major voice in anything, and Middleton already has partners and has for his entire tenure. And while Middleton is certainly a billionaire he is not of the Cohen variety that could write checks almost indefinitely if the spirit moved. Middleton believes in being a strong and committed team steward and he has been spending a high % of revenues in order to give Philly a competitive team while they rebuilt the organization from the ground up under DD.
And he is on the record as being willing to continue to spend to stay there if that is what it takes to get to the point where the system can deliver some relief.
I ran into him a few times at the local Wawa in Ardmore and he comes across as a very genuine guy and was always willing to talk Phillies.
Did he do it to fund the $85m they reportedly lost last season ?
You could ask him yourself if you frequent the Wawa convenience store on Lancaster Avenue in Ardmore. Just sayin’.
@CarverAndrews,
Small world. I lived in Ardmore for 15 years in the earlier 2000s.
One runs into a number of Philly sports figures in the normal course of daily business in that area.
If I ever decide to move back to Philly, it will probably end up being Ardmore as the location – well, if I can afford to buy there again. Great place to live. I loved living downtown but as one get older the downsides become a bit more relevant and Ardmore is a terrific compromise.
I live close to Ardmore now.
Minority owners know their investments grow exponentially in as little as 8-10 years. They’re not looking for annual income supplements.
Philly already deep in on this group. I can’t see them cutting back for several years. Got to sign him. Then cut back after run is over.
Attendance is going great, but the CBT alone is > $50M. At $100 a ticket, that means the first 500,000 fans go directly to the league offices.
Fat chance the Red Sox are signing Schwarber. They will not shell out the money. Take it to the bank.
As a Red Sox fan I say “good – keep it that way.”
I think the Pirates offer is the only one on the table… Take it or go to Chinese Taipei.
If he’s going to a small market team it would be the reds
@York
“Chinese Taipei”. It’s Taiwan.
Next you’ll be telling us there’s a new name for Siam!
If it makes you feel any better, neither am I.
Schwaber has been a great player for the Phillies; my favorite over the last 4 years. However, they need to move on and not get sucked into a bad deal like the Nola deal.
There is always a big bopper out there to play DH. Their cash should be offered to Murakami and Tucker; MM to play 3rd and Tucker OF.. Then work out a trade of Bohm to a team with need for 3B and excess no-D bopper.
If Schwarber leaves, may as well just keep Castellanos and have him DH, He has no trade value.
Yeah. A free swinging DH whose ops last year was like .695. Had to be platooned. But he compensates by being a locker room malcontent.
Yeah, Castellanos sounds like a great replacement for Schwarber. I’m a Braves fan though, so my opinion on that might be slightly biased.
Cincinnati is going to shock the world and offer enough money to get Schwarber to sign. He is at the end of his career and he and his wife have both talked about wanting to spend more time at home for their kids to be around their family more. This is a case where it’s not only Schwarber returning home but also his wife returning home since they’re both from Middletown, Ohio. They can get him for less money than it will cost other teams to land him in a multi year contract.
There is sometimes something to be said about being too close to home. It does get difficult to say no to everyone and be there for every church function, birthday party, graduation and say no to every handout people locally ask for. You can’t get away from it. He will get an offer to appease said family but will take a better offer from a more competitive team at the end of the day. I can assure you of that. The idea is nice. But the practicality is actually more of a distraction.
BK
“I can assure you of that”
No. You can’t
Joe, I admire your optimism. Unfortunately, I know the history of this front office.
That being said, I hope the hell you are right. He would make both Elly and Steer better hitters just by his presence between them.
Posturing. This will get done
He’s signing in Detroit. Good fit. Lots of payroll space, middle of the order bat, he can fit at DH and Carp stays in the outfield and a great guy to add into the Tigers clubhouse culture, which already seems to be pretty good. Spend the money Harris, Greenberg and Ilitch!
Cubs secured the deal at 4/140 with mutual options after 2!
Get it together, y’all! How many L’s can I take in the contest! Lolz
That’s because he wants 5 or 6 years, but the Phillies have to let Schwarber walk for one big reason: Roster flexibility. Can’t clog the DH spot up with guys like Bryce Harper and Trea Turner on long term deals. They probably pivot to Pete Alonso. He can bat cleanup behind Bryce and share DH/1B duties, in hopes of keeping both healthy long term. Plus it replaces that 50 HR power and will create a fun storyline every time the Mutts come to town. Turner will eventually move to an OF corner or 3B to accommodate Aiden Miller, but Schwarber is useless defensively. The Phillies should also try to sign Zac Gallen, Rogers twins for the pen and use minor league assets to acquire a long term Catcher like Harry Ford or Kyle Teel.
Depends how you view the DH spot. Teams that use it as a rest spot aren’t using it correctly. It’s an offensive production position. Period. It’s not to rest your feet. That’s what bench players train for. The DH was designed to not waste a hitting position on a pitcher who is concentrating on their craft. Don’t waste it on a rest day. That’s a slap in the face to the pitching staff who gave their spot up. Score. Score. And score. Schwarber said “I’ll give my spot up when your uniform is dirty and you have scored more than me. We can talk then”. No one caught him. The end.
We are exactly one week away from the winter meetings in Orlando, maybe Schwarber wants to see what else is out there before putting ink to paper. Dombrowski isn’t stupid, there is a reason Castellanos hasn’t been cut yet and it’s not the delusional idea that they can trade him
Schwarber and Realmuto signing elsewhere might be beneficial to providing Harper path to DH as he ages/needs rest from field while Realmuto as a catcher with a 12 year career is at the pivit point to potential decline and retirement.. Marchan, Crawford, Miller, Rincones, and hopefully others need a path to the majors or their prospect ststus is a sham. and also, this team needs to get younger and more athletic….. also frees up a few dollars to sign a right handed bat to protect Harper.
I’m a Phillies fan and I’d like to see a significant outfield upgrade first. I would choose outfield of Tucker, Crawford and glove-first Bader over retaining Schwarber. We’d get a little younger, more versatile and have a much better fielding outfield.
The Reds won’t spend the money Schwarber can command.
The Pirates would be a terrible landing spot for Kyle. PNC is more of a pitcher’s park, which wouldn’t be beneficial. But, even worse, the Pirates have the weakest lineup in baseball. If he signed with them, he’d lead the NL in walks, because they’d rarely pitch to him.
The Phillies could have resigned Schwarber in spring training, but they were never close to signing a deal. The Phillies could have resigned Schwarber in the week following the world series when they had exclusive rights to talk with him, but they were never close to signing a deal. All uninformed, misinformed, and don’t-need-to-be-informed media hype notwithstanding, there’s a pattern here that clearly suggests the Phillies and Schwarber may never come close to signing a deal.
The Phillies have a long and storied history of signing bad contracts they later regretted. They regretted the final years of Ryan Howard’s contract, Nick Castellanos’ current $20 million contract, and yes, behind closed doors, Bryce Harper’s $27.5 million in perpetuity contract. At times, inconsistent play has also caused the Phils to rethink Trey Turner’s $27 million, Aaron Nola’s $24.5 million, and Tijuan Walker’s $18 million long-term contracts. And here’s a news flash – if Schwarber didn’t have a career year in 2025 but had production that was similar to his first 3 years with the club, the Phils may have regretted his 4-year contract as well. To say the Phils front office are aware of past and would like to avoid future long-term albatross contracts is an understatement.
People are quick to give all the reasons the Phils should resign Schwarber, basing their opinions largely on his 2025 production and the myth that he has finally discovered how to become a complete hitter. They fail to look at all-time great DHs like David Ortiz and see what their production was like following their best-ever career years. In a nutshell, their home run production, while still above average, was usually far below that of their career-best season. And while Ortiz remained a .287 lifetime hitter for his entire career, Schwarber is a .231 lifetime hitter.
So, why shouldn’t the Phils resign Schwarber to a lucrative, long-term contract that many pundits are predicting will average more than $30 million a year for 4 or more years? Here are a few of the more poignant reasons.
1) Schwarber will go to the highest bidder, and the longer the Phils delay, the greater the number of teams that will offer Schwarber more money than the Phils are willing and/or able to pay him. Schwarber who was booed off the field following the Phils’ final playoff loss of the season at Citizens Bank Park is fully aware that his honeymoon in Philly is over, and without a world series trophy to hoist, he has failed to fulfill his mandate in Philly – to win a championship.
2) The Phillies’ expected financial commitments in 2026 is currently at $233 million. The 2026 luxury tax is $244 million. The Phils’ commitments include $179 million salary, plus $55 million in pre-arbitration and arbitration increases. Of the total amount, Zack Wheeler’s salary for 2026 and 2027 will be $42 million a year, even if he doesn’t play a single game, and that $42 million a year counts toward the luxury tax. So, what happens if Wheeler can’t pitch or not pitch well? What happens is the Phils have to spend more megabucks finding a new starter to take his place or pick up his slack.
3) JT Realmuto is a must resign for the Phils in 2026 and beyond. He is still one of the best catchers in baseball, he can effectively control the Phils’ current pitching staff, and there are not many available catchers the Phils could acquire without overpaying in money or trades. Lowball estimates for his continued services are currently at $15 million a year for 3 years plus incentive bonuses. Realmuto is more important for the Phils to resign than Schwarber. In addition to Realmuto, the Phils need to acquire a legitimate backup catcher who can share time with Realmuto behind the plate and DHing. This will prolong Realmuto’s catching career.
4) The Phils will have to spend more money in 2026 for help in the outfield, catching, and both starting and relief pitching.
5) The Phils may be unable to trade Castellanos without paying at least half of his remaining salary. To this end, the Phils should consider keeping him as a part of the outfield and DH mix. Castellanos will probably be highly motivated to perform well in the final year of his contract before he reaches free agency. If he does, the Phils could keep him until the trade deadline and possibly get back more for him in a trade while paying less of his salary to an acquiring club.
6) Finally, 2025 was most likely the icing on the cake for Schwarber who didn’t hit as well anytime prior to last season and will probably not be able to duplicate his 2025 production during any of his remaining seasons. Why? Opposing teams have had the time to study Schwarber’s hitting mechanics and will be able to pitch him more effectively in future years. Also, the institution of the ball/strike challenge will undoubtedly increase his strikeouts and decrease his walks because, in previous years, Schwarber has gotten more of the 3-2 counts than replay has shown he deserved. Ball-4 was called in his favor on pitches that replay proved were really Strike-3. That will change in 2026 and beyond.
7) At the end of the day, Kyle Schwarber is popular with fans, media, umpires, insurance companies he does commercials for, and gas stations that name sandwiches after him. He is felt to be a positive clubhouse influence, although his purported team leadership has been unable to bring Philly a world championship in 4 seasons. Although he can hit home runs as far as anyone in baseball, his home run production is inconsistent, as is his overall plate performance. A .231 lifetime hitter, he is a perennial league leader in strikeouts – averaging over 200 Ks a season, and in 2025, was #5 in all of baseball for leaving runners on base. Schwarber is not a reliable clutch hitter, slows down the Phils’ potential running game when he is on base, and cannot play any defensive position reliably. In 2024, he was statistically the worst outfielder in MLB.
These are the main reasons the Phillies will probably not give in to popular sentiment and overpay Schwarber for another 4 to 5 seasons, all the while wondering if his huge salary couldn’t have been spent and a differenet player or three who could help the Phils in more ways than Schwarber and finally bring a championship to Philly.
It’s a good post but I disagree on at least two points: 1. JT is by no means a top catcher. He does not hit for power any more, his blocking a framing skills have really regressed. He’s about an average starting catcher. Maybe slightly better. Agreed, we don’t have many options. 2. Oh god, no more Castellanos! He rated as about the worst fielding outfielder in all of baseball, his ops fell below .700, he can’t run and he was platooned! No way a top team keeps him.
real, When compared to the rest of the pack, JT is still one of the better catchers. I agree he has regressed offensively and defensively, but he is still athletic and has the smarts to control the Phils’ pitching. I would try to add a second legitimate catcher, and have him share time with JT as a catcher and DH. I feel the time has come for the Phils to employ a rotating DH which would give guys like Realmuto, Harper, Turner, Bohm, Sosa, and yes, Castellanos a day off every week from defensive duties while retaining their ability to keep hitting. Castellanos has had nearly a 1.000 fielding average all the while he’s been in Philly. He also has one of the strongest and most accurate outfield arms in baseball. So, he’s not as bad a fielder as people think. What hurts him is the slow first step to get to balls that faster outfielders can snag. If the Phils are not going to get much for him in a trade and then have to pay half his salary to trade him, they would be better off keeping him and seeing if his walk year motivation improves his game. I like Castellanos because he is not a part of the Phils hypocrisy. He calls it like he sees it. He realizes he’s a foot soldier, and he is content to be one on a field that already has too many underperforming generals.
Maybe the Orioles will end up snagging him.
Mets will sign him
As more of the free agent hitters are acquired, more teams will be in on Schwarber. This could hurt the Phils because they could be acquiring top talent instead of waiting to see how the Schwarber market shakes out. You guys are right about the Mets and Orioles being two potential suitors for Schwarber. I think both teams would pay more than the Phils for him. Two other teams I would keep my eye on are Cincinnati, which is close to where Schwarber was raised, and Boston, which has already had a positive experience with Schwarber and realizes how well he sees the ball and hits at Fenway Park. Having closely followed the Phillies for as many years as I have, I sincerely think another team signing Schwarber will be in the Phils’ best interest. Schwarber has gotten too much publicity on a team where every other player has been busting their guts defensively and frequently criticized for their defensive play, while Schwarber has been taking batting practice between innings. No one writes about this, but I’m sure there has to be some dissension among the Phillies players, and as a result, their epic failures when the playoffs come around. Going forward, a rotating DH and a few more consistent bats would help the Phils more than an overpaid full-time DH.
Man oh man, that’d be something if the Bucs dished out the bucks. Wouldn’t expect it but then again didn’t expect the As to shell out the money they did for Severino.
The problem here in Pittsburgh is that Schwarber himself would not catapult this team that far. Here’s a team that can’t hit. Schwarber hit 56 homers this year. With the Pirates, 46 of them would have been solo shots.
The guy would only add to a bad defensive outfield if they chose to play him out there.
Nice idea to think the Pirates want to spend money but they need 2-3 position players who can hit. Or more
Agent: Schwarber, you have cross state rival Pittsburgh Pirates interested in signing for your services for 3 years/69 million dollars.
Schwarber: let’s consider other alternatives and lead the brass on until a more suitable organisation and contract appears. If nothing appears, a week into ST I will sign and become a Succo.
Agent: That is very honourable of you!
Schwarber: why thank you my honourable servant! Send Skenes a Christmas card and warm up to him just incase we become teammates!
Agent: Will do Mr. Schwarber. Is there anything else you need?
Schwarber: That should be all. Buy me a few home games with the Steelers and Penguins tickets. I need to meet Sidney Crosby and JT Watt.
Agent: As you wish, Sir.
Yup, he’s a Pirate
JT is top priority, he’s the hardest to replace.
He gone.
Come on Breslow pull the trigger here
Skenes on the mound and Schwarber as DH? An unstoppable duo. Make it happen Nutting.
Yeah. Lots of 1-run games, 1-0 or 2-1 variety every time Skenes pitches. So what happens in the other 130 games, lol
People so easily forget that guys who can’t hit who just happened to have a lot of power, never ever have 20-year careers especially being everyday players.
Kyle schwarber is basically at the end of his career.
Just look at history All the guys that hit the way he does. They all generally have their last year of being an everyday player around the age of 32.
Now they may bounce around for three four even five years after that being a DH once a week here and there playing for a couple months in another place. But his time as an everyday player is just about over and somebody is going to pay ignoring history. Because I guarantee you in 150 years of baseball Kyle schwarber isn’t going to be the first 200 hitter with power who is still getting every day at bats at 34 and 35. He’s already 32 and just look at the players that stack up against him per baseball statistical reference and similarity scores;
Rob Deer – stopped playing every day at 32 was out of baseball by 35
Gorman Thomas – stopped playing everyday at 34 out of baseball at 35
Khris Davis – stopped playing everyday at 31 out of baseball at 33
Josh Willingham – stopped playing daily at 33 out by 35
Gus Zernial – stopped playing daily at 30 and never really played very long daily anyway, then play part-time for the next 5 years out of baseball by 36
Chris Davia – stop playing daily at 32 out of baseball by 34
Mark trumbo – stop playing daily at 31 out of baseball by 33
Cecil fielder – stop playing daily 32 out of baseball by 34
Mark Reynolds – stop playing daily at 33 out of baseball by 35
Let’s not forget that many of these guys were in much much much better shape than schwarber as well. Not all of them for sure, but most of them were.
So let’s get real here and people with your personal preferences aside, schwarber as an everyday player is about done maybe he’ll play every day another year. And the odds are good he’s out of baseball in two or three years. Sure maybe he could be the 2nd Dave Kingman in 150 years of baseball. But let’s not forget Dave Kingman was 6-6 210 lbs and built with muscle and great shape. And if you’ve ever met Kyle schwarber like I have the dudes like 5’9 and weighs about 250-260 minimum. Sure the Phillies website said he was 5’11/215 but that is absolute 100% BS. That dude hasn’t way 210 215 lb since he was in the 9th grade.
Kyle schwarber is a terrible terrible person to sign
So, what you’re saying is Kyle Schwarber is morbidly obese at 5’9” 260, and he’s a terrible, terrible person. Based on those facts, the Phillies should definitely not sign him to a 6 years $180M contract.
Schwarber is a lovable guy and a team leader who just had a great season. But I would resist getting sucked into a high dollar multi-year contract to retain him at his age. It’s as simple as that.
The vertical challenged Polar Bear ends up in Phillie, Schwarbs on pillow deal to the LolMets. How cool would that be? Most surprising thing to hit Queens since Prince Akeem Joffer and his schoolpal Arsenio Butler strode in on the 7 train from Zamunda.
Pirates
Well ain’t Phillie a prickly bunch. Still irritated over that brutal Bear loss to go on a charm offensive. Maybe cuddly Schwarb go see what over there
Everything has a shelf life. The Phillies have hit the “must sell by” date with a percentage of the team. The Nola re-sign contract will have more mold on it than a week old loaf of bread in 2026.
The Cubs should have kept Schwarber and fired Hoyer….
The Cubs only care about “breaking even” every year. Pretty pathetic for a franchise that’s only reached the playoffs 22 times in 141 seasons. The White Sox made playoffs 11 times in 121 seasons. Both Chicago teams should be ashamed of this, and the culture it’s bred.
In other news, all remaining unsigned free agents are still unsigned.