The Philadelphia Phillies wrapped up their week at home with an exhilarating 3-1 win over the Cincinnati Reds courtesy of Zack Wheeler. The staff ace was named to his third All-Star Game shortly after flirting with perfection, along with slugger Kyle Schwarber, per MLB.com's Paul Casella.
Neither All-Star selection comes as a surprise, with Schwarber putting together an impressive contract season with free agency looming in November. Undoubtedly, his third career All-Star nod led to Phillies fans wondering if the Schwarbarian would participate in the annual Home Run Derby.
All-Star Kyle Schwarber not in this year's Home Run Derby, but ...
Unfortunately, despite already mashing 27 first-half home runs, Schwarber told the media on Sunday that we won't be participating in this year's derby at Truist Park in Atlanta.
"No, I'm not going to do the Home Run Derby," Schwarber told On Pattison's Tim Kelly. But the next thing he said is the most intriguing for Phillies fans.
After pausing to think, seemingly wanting to choose his next words very carefully, Schwarber added, "Maybe see what happens next year."
Kyle Schwarber IS an All-Star, but told @TimKellySports that he doesn’t plan to do the HR Derby.
— On Pattison (@OnPattison) July 6, 2025
“Maybe see what happens next year.”
Next year’s All-Star Game is in Philly. pic.twitter.com/i6UHGGHoWD
Did Kyle Schwarber hint that he'll be back with Phillies next season?
That got our attention in a hurry. In case you're not up to speed, the Phillies are hosting next year's MLB All-Star Game at Citizens Bank Park. The announcement was made way back in 2019, with Philadelphia obviously the perfect place to hold the 2026 edition of the All-Star Game, as the country will be celebrating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
So, connecting the dots, Schwarber's comments lead us to believe that, if at all possible, he'd like to participate in the 2026 Home Run Derby in front of his home fans in Philly. The only catch, the Phillies will have to pay up enough to re-sign the 32-year-old designated hitter when he enters the open market. Schwarber and the Phillies have had talks, but nothing has advanced very far.
Taken out of his customary leadoff spot this year, Schwarber has rewarded manager Rob Thomson's move in the batting order, hitting .251 with a .924 OPS, 27 homers and 63 RBIs in 90 games. He has scored 63 times and even added eight stolen bases.
An integral veteran clubhouse leader and a massive part of the offense, Schwarber has indicated he'd love to come back after his current four-year, $79 million deal expires (a contract that by any measure has been a steal for the team). Some in the industry believe he'll get at least $100 million over four years as a free agent. We can only hope that his remarks about next year's Home Run Derby are even more of an indication that he'll work with the front office to make a return to Philadelphia happen.