Spring training is coming up fast. Once the Super Bowl is wrapped up, all eyes will turn to the Philadelphia Phillies, who will get training camp started with a pitchers and catchers workout on Feb. 12 at the team's complex in Clearwater, Florida.
It's exciting to see the players returning to begin their quest toward getting back to the World Series — something that has eluded the Phillies since their magical run to the Fall Classic in 2022. However, with the advent of the new season comes the concerning knowledge that some key Phillies are heading into their final year with the team.
Kyle Schwarber eyes spring training for Phillies contract extension talks
Left-hander Ranger Suárez, catcher J.T. Realmuto and designated hitter Kyle Schwarber are the biggest names in a contract year. Schwarber, at least, has made it known that he would like to stay in Philadelphia, according to Kyle Odegard of Sports Talk Philly.
“I’ve enjoyed my time so much,” Schwarber told Odegard in an exclusive interview. “I was with the Cubs for how many years, and then I signed the one-year deal with Boston. Being here, it feels like home now. I’d love to keep that going for as long as I can. Hopefully we can win multiple World Series in the years to come.”
Schwarber's saying all the right things, especially from the fans' perspective. He quickly became a fan favorite after signing a four-year, $79 million contract in 2022. If you recall, it only took him one at-bat.
Welcome to Philadelphia, Kyle Schwarber! pic.twitter.com/b3ElSLXaS8
— MLB (@MLB) April 8, 2022
Now that he has mashed 302 homers for the Phillies, been an integral piece of the offense and become a clubhouse leader, it feels like it's a no-brainer for the front office to spend some of the $75 million coming off the books next winter to bring him back in 2026.
Has there been any extension talk yet? Unfortunately not. However, according to Odegard, the 31-year-old slugger hopes to get talks going during spring training.
“I haven’t gone down to Spring (Training) yet, but there’s interest on my side, and we’ll see if there’s interest on their side,” Schwarber said, per Odegard. “We’ll go from there.”
What that extension might look like is up for debate. Former Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. recently weighed in on what could work for the Phillies.
Despite being a DH-only player at this point (he can still play the outfield), Schwarber's combination of prodigious power, sharp eye at the plate and ability to hit lefties will be a sought-after combination on the free agent market. The Phillies would be smart to get him signed now and keep one more veteran piece through their current contending window.