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The Philadelphia Phillies are likely heading into one of the most important offseasons of any team. Dave Dombrowski needs to make some moves to improve the team, and it starts with his free agency decision.
Kyle Schwarber and JT Realmuto are priority free agents to re-sign, but when it comes to adding from outside the organization, there is one player who stands out. And while it's "Kyle," it's not Schwarber.
Free agent outfielder Kyle Tucker would be a perfect addition to the Phillies' lineup, and the Phillies have plenty of reason to try and sign him. But signing him won't come easy.
Phillies predicted to be a top-three suitor for Kyle Tucker
Thomas Gable, director of race and sports odds at Borgata, created hypothetical odds for The Athletic, and the Phillies were third behind only the Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Yankees.
While the Dodgers and Yankees would have the money to afford Tucker, so too would the Phillies. But Gable identified one reason why the Phillies might not be such strong favorites for Tucker.
"This one would really be dependent on whether the Phillies retain Kyle Schwarber." Gable said, "If they don't, they will want to add a big bat to make up for the power loss."
If Schwarber departs, the Phillies will need to add a bat with power to the lineup in some capacity. Losing Schwarber, who just hit 56 home runs for the Phillies in 2025, would be a massive loss.
More: Phillies' Dave Dombrowski shares four-word message on Nick Castellanos trade rumors
While Tucker didn't hit that many, 22 in 136 games, he'd still be a huge pickup for the Phillies' offense. In an ideal world, the Phillies would be able to sign both Kyles, keeping Schwarber as the designated hitter and putting Tucker in right field.
But, considering the bidding war likely to occur with the Dodgers and Yankees, among others, for Tucker, the chances of the Phillies signing both are very slim.
Tucker is likely seeking a massive deal around $400 million total. With Bryce Harper, Trea Turner, Aaron Nola, and Zack Wheeler already signed to massive deals, keeping Schwarber and signing Tucker might not be a possibility.
But if Schwarber departs, then the Phillies could be much bigger players for Tucker. Regardless, the Phillies being predicted to be such a likely suitor is great news.
The Phillies need a player like Tucker, as they've been searching for years for quality outfielders. Nick Castellanos is likely getting cut or traded, while Brandon Marsh has been a bit of a letdown. Tucker would resolve those worries and be a great fit for the team.
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