Tuesday night was just another example of why Philadelphia Phillies fans love Kyle Schwarber.
The three-time All-Star Schwarber may have gone hitless during the Midsummer Classic, but he made up for it in a first-of-its-kind home run derby swing-off to decide the showdown between the National League and American League.
Each league sent three players to the plate, and each player was given three pitches. Schwarber came up second for the NL, which trailed 3-1, and proceeded to go 3-for-3, eventually sealing the victory.
So now that he's the All-Star Game Most Valuable Player, Schwarber can look forward to a second-half playoff push. But he's also aware that it could be his last as a Phillie.
Speaking to Audacy's Rob Bradford after the game, Schwarber gave his thoughts on his impending free agency and how going through the process once before would help him on that path.
"Experiencing, I guess, a quote-unquote 'true' free agency and knowing what happens throughout that time is gonna be a little bit more I think settling, to know the ins and outs of it, but also too, there's a lot of unknowns," Schwarber said.
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"Hopefully, we'll see what happens with Philly, and if there's something to be struck, there's something to be struck. But if not, it's going to be fun. But I'm more focused this year on trying to win a World Series."
It's become pretty clear that Schwarber wants to stay in Philadelphia, and if he stays the player he is now, the Phillies would be lucky to have him. He's having a career year, with 30 home runs and a .923 OPS in 96 games.
But how much money will the Phillies be willing to commit to a DH-only, even one who ignites the clubhouse and hits a bevy of Schwarbombs? And more importantly, will any other team outbid them for the 32-year-old's services?
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