5 non-tendered players Phillies should consider signing
By Matt Rappa
3. Kyle Schwarber, left fielder
Similar to David Dahl potentially assuming full-time duties in center field for the Phillies in 2021, the still-young Kyle Schwarber could do the same following next season, once Andrew McCutchen‘s contract expires.
The six-year veteran Schwarber has yet to produce a batting average greater than .250 in a single season while with the Chicago Cubs, but it is his power numbers that draw the most intrigue. Through 551 career games, the Middletown, Ohio, native has logged 71 doubles, 121 home runs, and 279 RBI; he produced 11 home runs and 24 RBI this past season, and in 2019, he slugged a career-best 38 home runs and 92 RBI.
The Cubs seem to be breaking up the 2016 World Series championship team this offseason, among whom include Schwarber and the also non-tendered Albert Almora, as well as perennial trade candidate Kris Bryant. It might not be as much as their talent declining, other than the organization heading in a new direction while looking to allocate funds to younger players with more promise.
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Schwarber was projected to earn around $8 million in arbitration. He may not earn that much through free agency, however, but could still be serviceable in Major League Baseball.
Perhaps, Schwarber could fill the role that now free-agent Jay Bruce has had on the Phillies in recent seasons. Also, it is worth to mention that Schwarber began his career playing the catcher position. While the Phillies recently re-signed Andrew Knapp to a one-year deal, Schwarber could provide versatility as an emergency No. 3 catcher on the active roster, should the need arise.