Philadelphia Phillies designated hitter and power slugger Kyle Schwarber will officially be a free agent by next month. It'll be Schwarber's first taste of free agency since 2022, but with a much hotter market this time around. Schwarber had a career year in 2025, and that will be the driving force behind him seeking top dollar heading into 2026.
Schwarber will be highly valued as he seeks his first free agency contract in four years, and he intends to make the most of it. The Phillies are preparing to let Schwarber walk or come back next season. The Phillies would love to keep him in the clubhouse, but also understand what it's going to take to keep him in Philadelphia long-term.
Kyle Schwarber looking to set the market with a massive free agent deal
It's worth noting that Schwarber will also be among a notably smaller free agent class this offseason. The biggest bats available will be Kyle Tucker, Alex Bregman, Pete Alonso and Schwarber. The market will have to act fast, but the Phillies still expect his contract value only to rise.
According to Scott Lauber of The Philadelphia Inquirer, the expectation is that Schwarber is seeking a five-year deal close to $30 million annually (subscription required). That could end up around the $150 million range by the time he puts pen to paper. It's a lot of money to attribute to any slugger, given he'll turn 33 next season.
"The expectation within the sport is Schwarber will seek five years, unprecedented for a DH who will be 33 next season. Maybe he’ll settle for four. Regardless, his annual salary will climb toward $30 million," Lauber notes.
Phillies expected to do anything it takes to retain Kyle Schwarber
The Phillies already have an expensive roster, with their payroll currently sitting at $193 million, leaving $51 million in space before hitting the luxury tax threshold. Schwarber, even with the big commitment, would still be worth the long-term deal for any club.
Lauber also explains that Phillies managing partner John Middleton is expected to match or best any offer coming in for Schwarber. It makes perfect sense. Schwarber made a huge impact with this team in just four seasons and capped it off in 2025 with an MVP-caliber season with a .928 OPS, 56 home runs and 132 RBIs. He's beloved in the clubhouse, and his MVP play this season will only add fuel to that fire.
There's some history of the Phillies hanging on to their veterans. Middleton also did it for catcher J.T. Realmuto when they re-signed him to a $115.5 million deal in 2021. Other teams were vying for an All-Star catcher, but it was Middleton who wanted to have the last laugh. The same could be said for starter Aaron Nola when the Phillies re-signed him for $172 million immediately after the 2023 season.
Once a player's value is known to the organization, they'll do everything in their power to get it done. Hopefully, the Phillies will be able to say the same for Schwarber.