The Philadelphia Phillies are currently talking to teams about potential trades to complete this roster in order to make another deep playoff run. While that is happening, other conversations should be taking place too. Left-handed slugger Kyle Schwarber will be a free agent (subscription required) at the end of the year. Rather than talking about bringing him back, it's time to put pen to paper before it's too late.
It's the Phillies and the New York Mets fighting in a two-team race for the division as the trade deadline approaches. Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski is a part of some major rumors about targets landing in Philadelphia in pursuit of a championship. However, one of the biggest moves he could make before the end of the season is agreeing to terms with the designated hitter.
As his fourth season in Philadelphia continues on, Schwarber has slugged 165 home runs since joining the Phillies in 2022. That is third among active players behind Shohei Ohtani (169) and Aaron Judge (194) in that timeframe. He's also third in walks taken (386) behind Judge (405) and Juan Soto (478).
Phillies need to re-sign Kyle Schwarber before he hits free agency
Schwarber's contributions to the Phillies over the past four seasons are numerous. The fans love him; the team loves him. The conversations need to end and a deal needs to get done.
Kyle Schwarber has expressed interest in staying in Philadelphia. Bryce Harper, Rob Thomson, Dave Dombrowski and even John Middleton have all recently made it very clear they want him back.
— Paul Casella (@Paul_CasellaMLB) July 20, 2025
So, could something get done before the offseason? More:https://t.co/XlYrdWyuu8
As Paul Casella writes on MLB.com, Kyle Schwarber has played an extremely important role in the success of the Phillies over the last handful of years. The fans go nuts for him, especially after clutch home runs like he hit the other night in grand fashion. But it is not just the fans that love him, it's the players as well.
Bryce Harper, who is in the seventh year of his 13-year contract with the Phillies, called Schwarber "one of the best teammates (he's) ever had," per Casella. Harper also said that he knows leadership has to make the best decision for the franchise as it moves forward past 2025. But if Schwarber is a part of that formula, he should "obviously" remain in Philadelphia.
Earlier this year, Schwarber's contract was projected to be in the "no-brainer" price range. Whether that number has fluctuated with his season so far, it cannot be far off from what can be afforded. However, if Schwarber were to hit free agency, dozens of teams would be lining up to speak with him. It's best the Phillies act sooner rather than later before it's too late.