Free agency starts on Thursday, and there will be no shortage of drama when it comes to the Philadelphia Phillies and their departing players this winter. Power-hitting designated hitter Kyle Schwarber will perhaps be the biggest name available, and the Phillies will do a lot to keep their home run king in Philadelphia.
Phillies fans would have preferred to see Schwarber extended before his contract expired, but the two sides couldn't come to an agreement. Now the 29 other teams will have the chance to cast their line and see if they can reel in one of the best modern-day power hitters in the sport.
Many will be bidding for his services, and that sadly possibly includes Steve Cohen and the New York Mets, according to John Harper of SNY.
Phillies fans will have a hard time accepting Kyle Schwarber signing with the Mets
The Mets are coming off an even more disappointing 2025 than the Phillies. They missed the playoffs entirely after only going 83-79. The Mets had a lot of issues when it came to their roster, but it didn't come from a lack of trying.
They finished with the second-highest tax payroll in MLB, at roughly $341 million. Their owner Steve Cohen isn't afraid to write the big checks, and that could make Schwarber a prime target for him in free agency.
“Kyle Schwarber would solve a lot of their problems,” according to one scout, per Harper. “I don’t know if it’s possible, but if Steve Cohen wants to flex again this winter, he should pay whatever it would take to get Schwarber to leave the Phillies.”
Schwarber is coming off an MVP-finalist season (subscription required), leading the NL in both home runs (56) and RBIs (132). He's also highly regarded in the Phillies' clubhouse, which makes him that much more desirable to a division rival such as the Mets.
Phillies managing partner John Middleton recognizes this as well and remains in favor of bringing Schwarber back. He's become quite the big spender himself, exceeding the luxury tax each of the previous four seasons. The 2026 season appears to be no different.
Phillies fans know that the payroll can dictate who is able to come back, and that has some bearing on where Schwarber might land. Middleton knows as much as anyone that he doesn't want to see Schwarber in another uniform, especially the Mets.
“The fans here would never forgive (Middleton) if Schwarber signed with the Mets,” according to on Philadelphia media person, per Harper. “And honestly, Schwarber is so much the heart and soul of that team -- and he takes that role seriously -- that it’s hard to see him taking the money to go to such a big rival. But you never know; everybody has their price.”
Everybody indeed has their price. Owners, players and agents all have a figure they're looking to get on the open market. Schwarber is just like any other player on the market now. Middleton and the Phillies will do what they can to keep the relationship they have with him.
But Cohen will be lurking, looking to throw another contract at a top hitter. This one just happens to be one of the most loved Phillies players of this era.