Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Bryce Harper has been the face of the franchise for years now, but has embraced every bit of Kyle Schwarber becoming a vital leader within the clubhouse. Schwarber is in the last year of his current contract, and that means the clock is ticking to either re-sign him or let him walk. Around the clubhouse, Harper has made it clear that he wants Schwarber to continue his career in Philadelphia.
Schwarber may have joined as a free agent, but if you ask anybody in the organization, it feels like he's been here forever. He's also evolved himself as a complete hitter, per MLB.com's Henry Palattella. Known around the game as a slugger in a juiced Phillies lineup, Schwarber has also become widely known as one of the great leaders in the organization.
Bryce Harper drops truth bomb about why Kyle Schwarber needs to retire as a Phillie
Phillies fans and media occasionally ask Harper's opinion to gauge the temperature of the room when it comes to the roster. According to MLB.com's Todd Zolecki, there's no mistaking that Harper wants him to stay.
“I was talking to somebody the other day,” Harper said, per Zolecki. “And I was like, ‘Man, it would be weird not to have [Schwarber] in our clubhouse.’ He’s such a good leader. He’s such a good person in the community. Great family, great person. I think he’s a guy that obviously our team can build around. Obviously, he’s going to make a lot of money [as a free agent]. He’s going to be a very hot commodity on the market. He’s a guy that hits homers. He’s a great clubhouse guy and a leader. I hope he doesn’t get [to free agency]. He’s a guy that we can use for the next few years.”
As a leader, Schwarber always chooses to be an incredible teammate, recently guiding outfielder Brandon Marsh through his April struggles at the plate. He was also instrumental in helping Marsh get acclimated after being traded to Philadelphia in 2022.
Beyond the abundance of home runs he hits every year, Schwarber is a terrific presence in the Philadelphia community. He takes part in multiple teammates' charities, including his own, Schwarber's Neighborhood Heroes. The fund gives resources and unique attention to first responders around the area.
Second baseman Bryson Stott recently gave his take on Schwarber during Sunday Night Baseball.
"He’s a fantastic leader, fantastic person," Stott said while mic'd up. "He treats everyone with respect, he’s an amazing human."
“He’s a fantastic leader, fantastic person. He treats everyone with respect, he’s an amazing human”
— Luke Arcaini (@ArcainiLuke) May 11, 2025
- Bryson Stott on Kyle Schwarber
Schwarber is a unique talent that the Phillies are lucky to have on their team. The fans love him, ownership loves him, and, most importantly, the team embraces him as a leader to look up to. It's impossible to describe a perfect teammate in MLB, but Schwarber is doing his best impression, and it also doesn't hurt that he plays like one of the best in league.