3 moves Phillies fans can dream about next after re-signing Kyle Schwarber

The Philadelphia Phillies made perhaps their biggest offseason move at the MLB Winter Meetings on Tuesday. The organization and Kyle Schwarber agreed to a five-year, $150 million contract that will keep him in Philadelphia through the 2030 season.

The move isn't surprising, despite speculation that the Phillies and Schwarber were far apart on a contract, the Pittsburgh Pirates' reported four-year offer to the free agent slugger on Dec. 8, and the interest of his hometown team, the Cincinnati Reds, in signing him. Schwarber wanted to return to Philadelphia, and the Phillies' top priority this year was to bring back the 2025 NL MVP runner-up.

Now that the Phillies can breathe a sigh of relief that Schwarber will return, what comes next? They have several more tasks to resolve, including addressing their outfield situation, trading away some players, and making more additions.

3 moves Phillies fans can dream about next after re-signing Kyle Schwarber

1. Sign Alex Bregman

Even though signing Alex Bregman would make it unlikely that J.T. Realmuto is brought back, the veteran third baseman is the right kind of player for the Phillies to have in their clubhouse. The Boston Red Sox's young players and other roster members raved about the 31-year-old's leadership and support this season.

The Phillies are rumored to be trading Alec Bohm this winter, which creates a need for a replacement if that happens. Bregman is coming off a season in which he had a .273/.360/.462 slash line with 18 home runs, 62 RBIs, and an .822 OPS in 114 contests. If the Phillies are comfortable making another free agent addition, Bregman should be the one.

2. Re-sign Harrison Bader

The Phillies' outfield is in flux with changes on the horizon. President of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski acquired Harrison Bader from the Minnesota Twins at the trade deadline. Bader declined his $10 million mutual option earlier this offseason, making him a free agent.

The 32-year-old had to adjust to his new club following the trade. However, he emerged as one of the Phillies' best hitters toward the end of the season. Phillies manager Rob Thomson used the center fielder as their leadoff hitter with Trea Turner on the IL in September. Bader finished with five home runs, 16 RBIs, 11 doubles, and a slash line of .305/.361/.463 and an .824 OPS in 50 games with Philadelphia this year.

3. Trade for a young catcher

If Realmuto is not re-signed (subscription required), the Phillies have been rumored to make a trade for a young catcher. Adley Rutschman from the Baltimore Orioles is one candidate who could be a fit for Philadelphia despite Orioles president of baseball operations Mike Elias not wanting to trade their starting backstop.

Rutschman is coming off his worst season in his four years with Baltimore. He missed time with oblique injuries and finished with nine home runs, 29 RBIs, a .220/.307/.366 line and a .673 OPS in 90 games. He could be in store for a bounce-back year in 2026.

If the Portland, Oregon, native is not available, there may be other trade candidates who could fill the void. Phillies backup catcher Rafael Marchán may see more playing time, but it is uncertain if he can be a MLB starter.