Phillies legend explains distinct clubhouse roles of Kyle Schwarber, Bryce Harper and more behind the scenes

Former MLB slugger Jimmie Rollins claimed that the Philadelphia Phillies' clubhouse leadership is layered rather than centered on one star. Rollins suggested that different veterans serve specific roles that keep the group unified.

Rollins played for the Phillies from 2000 to 2014 and entered the club's Wall of Fame this year. The three-time MLB All-Star spoke about the current Phillies clubhouse during Sunday's episode of "The Phillies Show."

"What I do know, or what I've been told and what I feel from the outside, is that Schwarber, he's the leader, hands down," Rollins said (Timestamp: 19:40). "Like, the vocal leader. He’s the guy that, you know, when Superman has to pull out his cape and say, 'Come on, boys,' that was him. "But then you also had the leadership board with JT (Realmuto) and Bryce (Harper)," he added.

Rollins then explained how Schwarber functions as the central point during difficult moments.

"There's always, you know, the main guy who’s probably going to be the vocal, the point of contact for the media," he added. "Everybody's going to have to field tough questions, but maybe he feels the toughest questions when people aren't always willing to answer."

Kyle Schwarber joined the Phillies in 2022 on a four-year contract. He re-signed early this month on a five-year, $150 million contract, per Spotrac. Free agent J.T. Realmuto joined the team in 2019. Bryce Harper also joined in 2019 for a then-record 13-year, $330 million contract.

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Jimmy Rollins calls for diversity in the Phillies clubhouse

In the same interview on "The Phillies Show," Jimmy Rollins said that player-led leadership resonates more than messages that come solely from the team manager. He also spoke about the importance of having diversity in the clubhouse.

"I do think there definitely needs to be some diversity. I think that was something that we loved about our team," Rollins said (Timestamp: 20:58). "Now, I don’t know what that clubhouse is because I haven’t been in there, but I definitely would like to see some diversity in there. I think that makes it fun to have different aspects come into a clubhouse."

Rollins also gave his two cents about what he sees in the current team. The 2007 National League MVP said the game has shifted back to athleticism and speed. He believes home runs and power hitters are not enough, and the impetus is on executing the basics correctly.

Edited by Safeer M S