"We the people of Philadelphia didn't fight the British just to lose Schwarber," the sign made by fans Rebecca Hummel and McKenzie Buehner read in early August. There's no denying that in the seasons in which he has been in a Philadelphia Phillies uniform Kyle Schwarber has made an impact on the fanbase at large.
According to one of Ken Rosenthal's reports for The Athletic, it seems that "we the people" of Philadelphia might have made a difference in Schwarber's free agency future.
"The expectation is that designated hitter Kyle Schwarber will remain with the Philadelphia Phillies," the MLB insider wrote recently (subscription required).
Phillies emerge as frontrunners in pre-bidding war for Kyle Schwarber
Many hoped that the organization and Schwarber would work out an extension before the NL MVP candidate hit free agency, but instead, they decided to focus on the matter that's been at hand since the left fielder-turned-designated hitter signed with the Phillies in 2022: playing meaningful, successful baseball all the way through the end of October. When the news broke mid-season that Schwarber would officially be hitting free agency this winter, fans sprang into action to remind the 32-year-old lefty just how much his time in Philadelphia has meant.
“He is a great player that would improve every team’s lineup,” MLB.com's Mark Feinsand writes via an MLB executive. In just a few years, Schwarber has indeed risen to be the offensive backbone of this team during his tenure with Philadelphia.
He's been phenomenal this year, which is all the more reason why the Phillies hope to keep him around. However, with how well he's played this season, there's a chance that Schwarber's camp could receive other deals from high-market teams looking to fill a hole in the designated hitter role. Currently batting .243 with a .934 OPS, 53 home runs and 129 RBIs this season, Schwarber's offensive production won't be diminishing any time soon, and with mutual interest to keep the hitter in Philadelphia seems more likely with every report that emerges.
This team is no stranger to the technique of retaining their veteran slugging clubhouse leaders, like what they implemented with former first baseman Jim Thome back in 2002, who also entered his age-32 season when signing his deal. However, the contract extension with Thome from back then and the hypothetical deal the Phillies might work out with Schwarber this offseason will look somewhat different, thanks to the aging curve that has arisen within the sport in recent years. If the Phillies do succeed in retaining Schwarber, age most certainly won't be a factor for the club when approaching an agreement.
When reviewing Rosenthal's report, in addition to the speculation from Schwarber's impending free agency that fans have gathered throughout the year, it sounds as though Schwarber and the Phillies will manage to get a deal done. It's projected right now for a four-year, $100 million extension to a five-year, $150 million extension. It seems many are leaning towards a four-year deal in the $120-$125 million range. It would be a solid deal between the two parties, with Schwarber averaging around $25 million to $30 million per season, which is deserved with all he's given to this club in the four years he's already been here.