The Mets are interested in free agent slugger Kyle Schwarber, reports Mike Puma of The New York Post. Schwarber rejected a qualifying offer from the Phillies, so any other club would face the associated penalties for signing him.
Schwarber has been one of the most popular free agents this winter, which isn’t surprising. The Phillies would love to have him back and he has also been connected to the Pirates, Reds, Red Sox, Orioles and Giants. Pittsburgh has reportedly made a four-year offer to Schwarber.
The interest stems from Schwarber being one of the best bats in the league. He strikes out a lot but also draws lots of walks and hits home runs. He has seven seasons with at least 30 long balls. He’s gotten to 38 in each of the past four campaigns and hit at least 46 in three of those four. 2025 was a personal best, as he was able to launch 56 homers. His 28.4% strikeout rate in his career is quite high but he has drawn walks at a 14.2% clip.
Schwarber is a lefty and has been hamstrung by southpaws at times in his career, but he seems to have put that all behind him more recently. His production against lefties has improved over the years, so much so that he was actually better without the platoon advantage in the two most recent campaigns. In 2024, he slashed .300/.407/.490 for a 152 wRC+ against lefties, compared to a .218/.342/.482 line and 124 wRC+ otherwise. In 2025, those lines were .252/.366/.598 and .232/.364/.541 for respective wRC+ numbers of 162 and 146.
There are downsides with Schwarber. He is essentially only a designated hitter at this point in his career. He has just 13 outfield appearances over the past two years combined. He could perhaps end up at first base but doesn’t have a track record of success there. His age is also a factor, as he’ll turn 33 in March.
It seems teams are willing to overlook those concerns in order to take a chance on adding an elite bat. MLBTR predicted Schwarber could secure a five-year, $135MM deal this offseason. As mentioned, the Pirates have already put a four-year offer out there. Given how many teams are at the table, perhaps he will get that fifth year.
For the Mets, they have a fairly open DH spot. Starling Marte took most of the plate appearances in that slot in 2025 and he is now a free agent. Longtime first baseman Pete Alonso is also on the open market. The Mets subtracted a lefty bat from the lineup when they dealt left fielder Brandon Nimmo to the Rangers for second baseman Marcus Semien.
Alonso could still be re-signed but having both him and Schwarber is probably not in the cards. The Mets are hoping to improve their run prevention next year, which prompted them to add a solid defender like Semien. It has been reported that the Mets don’t love Alonso as a defender and would like him to spend more time as a DH going forward, if they reunite. Signing both Alonso and Schwarber would mean putting Alonso back out there as a regular first baseman, which doesn’t align with that run prevention plan.
Financially, the Mets could theoretically do a lot. They have been big spenders since Steve Cohen became owner of the team. RosterResource currently pegs their 2026 payroll at $279MM, about $60MM below where they finished in 2025. They could make even more payroll space if they trade Jeff McNeil and/or Kodai Senga, who have both been in plenty of rumors this offseason.
The Mets have some needs on the pitching staff but are reportedly hoping to avoid the top free agent starters. Perhaps they plan to dedicate more resources to the lineup. They likely need to make another move to replace Nimmo in the outfield, maybe two moves when considering their center field situation. They could go after Schwarber but they could also try to bring back Alonso and/or Edwin Díaz. Alonso is reportedly meeting with the Red Sox and Orioles at the Winter Meetings, but he could also make time for other clubs as well.
Photo courtesy of Bill Streicher, Imagn Images
Stay shorter term. 4?
I assume someone is gonna offer him 5 years and then Philly will cave and give him the 5th year and he will return there.
Yeah, seems most likely.
This is why I think the comments that Pirates leaked their offer as PR is backwards. Leaking that information basically only benefits Schwarber’s agent. He can go to the Phillies (or other large market team) and say look at what a small market team like the Pirates think Schwarber is worth. You need to do a lot better than them.
Also benefits the Pirates because now when they strike out they can show their fans that they’re trying to expand payroll and sign top free agents.
But it’d be another example of failing at signing a free agent? So it doesn’t satisfy their fans at all?
If there is one thing the Pirates are is that they are risk-averse. So why would they risk leaking the information when it provides no upside?
Pirates fans know any offer to Schwarber is kind of a ‘joke’ offer. Obviously no one is taking it seriously
@sandlot bw
Why would a large market.team have to do “a lot better” than a small market team no one expects Schwarber to sign witb? Matching should be enough.
If anything the pirates offer lowers his bargaining power with teams that spend more…
Is the cheap teams version of “he’s on a plane to Toronto!”. That’s all.
But it does sound kind they might make some moves.
So this is why big market teams get players at a discount as compared to small market teams? Soto must have gotten a $900m offer from the Rockies but settled for the Mets?
I don’t understand this logic.
So are the Reds serious suitors too? They seem to have less payroll flexibility than the Pirates do so any mention of them should be treated as just as laughable.
@nicepickup
Speaking for Pirates fans, talking about spending don’t mean squat. They MUST drastically improve the lineup or attendance will drop even more than it did this year
Great first offer from Pirates. You don’t want to be like some of these teams and bid against yourself. But unless the Pirates have the highest final bid no one cares. If they don’t it will be negative pr like they always get.
Mike Puma has reclaimed his crown as king of the lazy reporters. He used to have Jeff Wilpon to rely on for leaks.
Now he is floundering with the tight-lipped management in Queens. So he continues to make up stories.
I believe Schwarber’s agent released the information in order to get a 5 year contract. I believe with the current interest from multiple teams in him that he will get a 5 year deal he’s looking for.
No shot he gets 5 years
There’s always a shot.
But less money per year then.
Can easily get 5 years. Could be 4 or 5. I’d give him 6 or 7 but unlikely it happens.
Yea I get the feeling he’s looking for leverage
A shorter deal makes sense. They need to keep that DH slot open for moving Soto there eventually.
Being primarily a DH at age 33, 4 years at that AAV is what has most teams stuck on a schwarber offer
Most teams prefer him for 2-3 years at the 30 mil AAV hes seeking
This is a Plan B inquiry
Think they can beat the Pirate’s offer?
Why not he Brewers or let’s get crazy not the White Sox? It would really irritate Cub fans.
Watch him go to Colorado so he can get to 500 homers
Comment of the day.
Waiting for Stearns to say he only wants him on a 1 or 2 year deal because he’s a joke of a GM
Stearns isn’t doing anything Cohen doesn’t want him to do. So I guess you think the owner is a joke.
A joke maybe, a criminal yes.
He’s never been convicted of a crime, so no.
Sorry guys gonna have to outspend Bob Nutting.
Surprised no one ever tried him at first base. Just a handful of games in Boston.
Yeah I find it odd no one else really has. At least try in Spring Training.
Scott, Its not that hard. Tell him Wash……….
It’s extremely hard!
haha. love it!
Scott: What about the fans?
Wash: Yeah, maybe I can teach one of them.
He really can’t field a ground ball, which you kinda have to do at 1B. He was once a catcher, believe it or not, but an awful one and his hands leave a lot to be desired (ironic because his hitting style is based on having exceptional hands).
With the universal DH, there is no reason to force the issue.
It’s amazing to me how new school GMs (and fans) just up and expect a guy to take up a new position. Why are you paying someone all this money and then first thing you do is tell them, “dont do anything like before, we want you to do something completely different”.
Some of them make sense. For example, moving Devers from third to first. I think Schwaber should stay a DH though.
If you’re referring to Schwarber, I read an article a few years ago in which he made it very clear he had no interest in becoming, or further trying out the first base position.
If I recall correctly he simply didn’t like fielding the position because he felt he wasn’t good at it and/or didn’t feel his body could handle the demand of the position.
I dont really believe in it for any player who doesn’t feel like they can do it. Baseball is a skill and a craft and takes hard work to master. Yes, some players can throw a glove on the field at any position and play it well. Most can not, especially bigger framed guys
This, many DH corner outfield types have issues at first. It may not require the most tools to play but clearly have a unique skill that some don’t do well at and at his age and experience makes no sense to risk. Whoever signs him is signing for the bat bat, not the glove anyway.
Phillies spring training last year and did just fine. Larry Bowa fungo is ridiculous. lol.
This I can believe and if they make him an offer it won’t be a ridiculously low one like Nutting was rumored to have made.
How is 25/mil (at least) for an exclusive DH a ridiculously low offer?
When its 35% below market value. That is not close to what anyone else will be offering. What do you think your local Mercedes dealer would say if you came in and offered $100k for that $135K-142K S580 they have on the lot? I will tell you. They wold laugh at you and show you the door. The same thing that Schwarber’s agent did if Nutting actually made that offer.
“I’ll pay $2500 a month, but only for 4 years”
412
Because you are looking at the contract wrong
AAV is only part of the equation. The length of the contract matters too.
What really matters is the PV (present value)
A straight 4/$100 has a PV of about $89 million
The contract that MLBTR predicted (5/$135) would have a PV of $117 million
That’s a significant difference
Ryan – the guy hit 56 homeruns last year…isn’t the point of the game, to score more than the other team? Youre talking about a consistently great player, there are only a few!
Anyway, no one on the planet thinks that’s even close to a real offer
Nutting offer is over pay. Best offer he has received.
Who plays 1B for the Mets in 2026 if they sign Schwarber? Can’t imagine they sign both him and Alonso.
Pick someone up. Goldschmidt or O’Hearn or someone.
O’Hearn and Schwarber over Alonso would make the Mets a better team in 2026 and beyond. I’d sign up for that as a fan.
The could roll with Vientos at first.
Mets may not want to do long term deals with pitchers but they don’t seem to have a problem doing it for hitters.
It would still feel like they would need a right handed bat. If they sign him they still would need a LF, CF, 1b (maybe 3b), starters and relievers. Unless they are gonna roll out some of their young guys in those spots.
I’d rather they sign O’Hearn like Seamaholic mentioned above.
O’Hearn is a fine guy to sign but adds even more lefty bats.
Simm, O’Hearn seems like a better fit for your team. Then they could platoon Sheets at DH with Campusano or another right handed bat.
Rowdy Tellez is available. Stearns traded for him and signed him two more times after that
Vientos is a butcher in the field no matter where he is.
Not much of a hitter either
You ain’t wrong, Bill.
I’d be happy with that as a fan, can’t imagine it’d cost too much with him being 34.
Why can’t they sign both? They wasted more $ than that in past.
Good move by the Mets. You either sign him ore drive up the price.
Whoever gives him that fifth year, wins the Kyle Schwarber sweepstakes. My money is still on the Phillies.
I think Reds will land him.
I don’t think they’re even in it anymore. Way too rich for their blood. Unlike the Pirates the Reds already have some salaries they’re paying and are fairly close to their budget. I’d suggest more likely they split that $30m into two or three decent professional hitters on short term deals, and would probably be wise to do so.
Probably more like spend $5m on a guy who fell through the cracks and hope he rebounds like they did with Hays last year.
I still hope he signs with the Pirates. Highly unlikely but that would be awesome
If I were Schwarber, I wouldn’t want to sign with Pittsburgh. They have the worst lineup in baseball They ranked 30th in 2025, with 3.6 runs per game. If Schwarber played for the Pirates, opposing pitchers would seldom pitch to him. In addition to this, PNC is NOT a hitters park. But Cincy and Philly are.
Sounds like perfect situation. He gets the most $ which is goal # 1 2 3 4 4 6 7 8 and he gets to be the savior hero best hitter star.
And Schwarber is probably smart enough to know the Pirates will do more than just him if they are signing him and farm system is loaded.
His window to be impactful to a win now team is the next couple seasons. Unfortunately for the Pirates, the timeline doesn’t match for the team and player.
Pirates should be a winning team the rest of this decade and into the next.
They definitely have a chance. But the timelines still don’t align.
Pirates are a 500 team as is. If they get a Schwarber or Alonso or Marte and another bat like Lowe Polanco Suarez JTR Kwan they are a 90 win team in theory. If a key player misses series time it obviously effects that.
If the numbers are similar, would you sign with the Pirates or the Phillies? Who gives you a better chance at a world series?
Only 1 team gets a player for same amount. Every other team has to pay more. And not just a million or 2 or 5 more. When you are getting say 150 million what’s 5 more. Not saying Schwarber will get that but let’s say Philly and everyone else offered him the 4 year 100m contract. Pittsburgh most likely would have to do at least 110m or go 5 years 125m. And it would be better to go the 5 125m. Most people have a price though whether it’s 10 20 50 100 more. A guy getting 400 500 and you might be talking 100 or more. Then again some guys might do it for 10 20 30.
World series is a toss up. Pirates have better rotation and farm system Philly has the large market payroll. I’ll take the payroll but it’s pretty close. If Pirates have a good off season they are going to surprise a lot of people.
If they don’t get at least 1 of the names I put out they won’t make playoffs unless things go near perfect or some not in the news name becomes available. They need 2 800 something ops bats or a 750 and a 900. Something like that.
Pirates have a chance to be this years Reds. We’ll see how the off-season goes for them.
Lindor-Soto-Schwarber does look nice.
“His production against lefties has improved over the years, so much so that he was actually better without the platoon advantage in the two most recent campaigns.”
BB% and K%
24/25
Vs L 13.7, 27.5
Vs R 15.9, 28.0
21/23
Vs L 14.6, 31.7
Vs R 15.0, 27.8
Schwarber has improved his plate discipline numbers vs lefties the last two years. Important to note, though, it’s only 500 PA we are talking about. As such, the “reverse splits” as they basically always are, are most likely small sample size randomness.
Schwarber might have smaller splits vs lefties than normal. He probably does not actually have a reverse split.
Could also note that Schwarber set a new MLB single-season record in 2025 for home runs by a left-handed batter against lefties,… 23 dingers in 276 PA/234 AB… just over 1 homer every 10 ab. His career mark is about every 17.27 ab
I can’t see them willing to go 5 yrs for schwarber but only 3 for Alonso.
Give him 5 years and make him a Met
IMO sign Kyle and release Stanton or trade him for 3 hot dogs
Makes sense for the Mets to look at Schwarber. He could DH while Vientos plays 1B and Baty plays 3B. Polar Bear probably will cost more than Schwarber so use the extra cheese to address pitching and catching needs. Note: I’m not sold on Alvarez.
I don’t think Alonso will cost more than Schwarber. Schwarber and Tucker seem to be top of the class this offseason.
Along with Bichette.
Alonso will get fewer years than Schwarber and less per year.
Mutts could use a bat but they really need a front line starter to anchor that rotation and teach the young fire ballers.
I guess Degrom didnt want to come back, but hes the type of guy they need to get
It’s crazy how uninterested they are in Alonso. I wonder if this is just driving the price up for Philly.
Boras and Cohen playing chess.
More like Tic Tac Toe
Mets need toooo much
Schwarber signing with either the Pirates or Mets would be a nightmare for Phillies fans.
Not really. They’d pivot to Alonso or Tucker. Schwarber is their preference for sure, but there’s alternatives.
Very true. If Schwarber leaves but Alonso or Tucker are still free agents I can see the Phils making a serious bid.
I’d make a serious wager that he doesn’t sign with the Mets. One could argue that Soto should already be a DH The can’t be paying $75-80M to two DHs.
This site is so glitchy right now. I can’t use my Samsung web browser anymore. It doesn’t let me even comment. When in want to replay it takes me to the log in page (something I’ve never done is log out on here. When I try to log in it gives me a “bad request message.
Not sure how or who I should email about this. I created a new account just so I could comment.
I just noticed the something to that effect, the only way to comment was to click a reply link. I refreshed and saw the comment input but all I did was wander in and no input box to comment until i clicked reply. Refresh brought it back ans would have ignored, except saw your comment. Note this is Chrome but also on Samsung device.
I’ve been using Samsung Internet for a long time. I have a Google pixel phone now. Never had any.issues until now. As long as I can comment I’m okay with the small change. Everyone should know who I am with my name now. Not sure if I’m a popular user on here but I do enjoy coming here for news and rumors.
There us definitely something weird going on with the the comment text box. This time was sitting down below a bunch of whitespace on the page for me. I’m here because its my primary source of baseball news at this point. And sometimes got the comment section which has more diverse set of opinions than some sites and while it can have its fair share of hostility, troll behavior and generally annoying comments, it is actually very tame compared to many other baseball sites.
Guess I’m lucky I never use my phone here. Just use my laptop. Never had any issues w/login or comment boxes. Did have a problem w/the notifications about a year ago, but it seemed to be a site wide problem that wasn’t specific to phone/laptop or browser. Notification problem took MLBTR about a week to fix and haven’t had issues w/it since.
It has something to do with the ads and their banner sizes.
The ones with “By Kargo” are usually the culprits. Causes my mobile web browser to crash at times too.
It’s been like that for 3-4 weeks. I couldn’t even sign on for a while.
I use the Brave browser on Android, which is privacy based so it doesn’t show more ads.
Since I switched to it for this site I haven’t had those issues. Solid browser.
This doesn’t seem to make sense for Mets. They need a CF and they need to open up spots for there young players to play. Vientos,.Baty and Mauricio need opportunities l…
So sign Schwarber to play CF? What could go wrong?
It’s not wise to hope on one third of your lineup when you expect to contend.
But can they outbid the Pirates?
No.
They are just driving the price up.
3 outcome hitters have aged pretty badly. Doesn’t mean Schwarber is guaranteed to age badly, but these guys typically fall off a cliff around age 32 or 33. And Achwarber turns 33 in March. Look at guys like Adam Dunn, Ryan Howard, and Joey Gallo as examples.
The difference is the DH. I think a better comp would be Big Papi.
Ortiz was not a 3 outcome hitter. He was a career .286 hitter that averaged over 40 doubles a year and had a K rate of 17.3% for his career. Ortiz was a great overall hitter. Schwarber and Dunn both strike out over 28% of their ABs and have low career averages. They counter that with a high walk rate and HR power, but that K rate ages badly, or at least has historically.
I think this is to perhaps make Alonso make a decision quicker. He sat on the same offer from December that was offered to him until ST and signed for a bit less oddly. Cohen was very frustrated. I don’t think they will wait this time.
Honestly, they have too many needs to put too much into one bag…starter, pen, an outfielder. Mets are better spreading the wealth around.
Not picking on this article or player, but the “interested in” articles crack me up. Like in 8th grade when you’d get the notes from a girl “Jennifer likes you. Do you like her? Circle one – yes/no”
I said Jennifer because I am a product of the mid 70s when every other girl was named Jennifer.
I’d give Kyle from Waltham 6 years.
Year 1 30 MM
Year 2 20 MM 10 MM performance incentives
Year 3 20 MM 10 MM performance Incentives
Year 4 15 MM 15 MM performance incentives and opt out
Year 5 15 MM 15 MM performance incentives and opt out
Year 6 10 MM 20 MM performance incentives
That’s why I shouldn’t run a baseball team and probably shouldn’t even visit this site.
The Mets have gutted and revamped their coaching staff and have some locker room turmoil. One guy that got along with Soto and has no issues with anyone … I think they are willing to pay for that steadiness.
The Mets just need to go sign Alonso he has proven he can play in New York is a okay first baseman.
If this is ON TOP of re-signing Pete, sign me up. Also, if it’s in place of. Who am I kidding? Man, would I love to add them both into next year’s lineup though.