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The Philadelphia Phillies are looking for a different result without changing much about the roster.
After falling short of World Series aspirations for the sixth straight season since signing Bryce Harper, the Phillies opted to bring back its offensive core for another run. But this could be the last rodeo for designated hitter Kyle Schwarber.
After signing a $79 million contract in 2022, Schwarber has the chance to become a free agent at the end of this season. And he’s already rejected an initial extension offer from the Phillies, according to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic.
“The Phillies offered him an extension during the offseason, but after an initial proposal, talks failed to advance,” Rosenthal wrote. “He will be 33 next season, but surely would be in demand on the open market. Since 2022, only Aaron Judge has hit more home runs.”
And if Schwarber does reach free agency, an American League contender could be the most likely landing spot for his next contract.
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“Schwarber could still find himself in red pinstripes next season, but the other suitors will be doing everything in their power to sway him to their city,” Hunter Mulholland wrote for Newsweek. “The Toronto Blue Jays have missed out on plenty of high-value free agents the past two seasons, and with their link to Pete Alonso last winter, Schwarber may be at the top of their list to bring north of the border.”
As a team looking to get itself over the hump and return to the postseason, the Blue Jays make sense as a destination for a productive player like Schwarber. And with Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Anthony Santander in the lineup as well, opposing pitchers would have a hard time limiting bombs over the outfield wall.
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Peter Chawaga is a veteran journalist covering Major League Baseball for The Sporting News. His MLB reporting has included feature interviews with commissioner Rob Manfred and Hall of Fame slugger David Ortiz, salary analysis, player rankings and more. He has covered baseball for Forbes, Yardbarker, Pitcher List, Athlon and other outlets.
With over ten years of newsroom experience, he has previously covered finance, technology, arts, and culture for newspapers, magazines, and websites nationwide. He graduated from Wake Forest University with a degree in English and journalism.
English (US)