The Philadelphia Phillies have big roster decisions looming. After seven agonizing, subpar seasons from 2012 through 2018, the Phillies made franchise-altering moves in 2019.
The Phillies traded for J.T. Realmuto from the Miami Marlins on Feb. 7, 2019, and officially signed superstar Bryce Harper a few weeks later on March 2. Although the team missed the playoffs during the first three years with Realmuto and Harper in the lineup, the Phillies added firepower to the roster by signing Kyle Schwarber and Nick Castellanos ahead of the 2022 season.
Fast forward to 2025; Realmuto and Schwarber are in contract years, and Castellanos will be a free agent after the 2026 season. The core led the Phillies to a 272-214 record and three consecutive playoff appearances over their first three seasons together, including a World Series appearance in 2022 and an NL East title in 2024. The veterans are aging but are still key contributors to the team.
Phillies Rumors: Jon Heyman hints at Kyle Schwarber signing an extension
Schwarber is one of Major League Baseball’s top power hitters. The left-handed hitting slugger has 290 home runs across his 11-year career, including 137 and counting during his four years with the Phillies. He hit an NL-leading 46 home runs in 2022 and is tied with Aaron Judge and Tyler Soderstrom for the most home runs in the majors with six through 12 games this season.
The Phillies have had discussions with Schwarber regarding an extension, and both sides seem to be motivated to get a deal done. He originally signed a four-year, $79 million contract, a steal for his production over the years. The 32-year-old is likely in line for a new deal worth $20 million-plus per year.
“I think that’s gonna happen,” MLB insider Jon Heyman said about a potential Schwarber extension with the Phillies, per Phillies Tailgate on X. “I’m not going to be shocked if that happens. I mean, that deal has worked out great for them.”
It’s not easy committing to an older player on a long-term deal. However, with Schwarber making the full-time switch to designated hitter in 2024, the wear and tear on his body became less of an issue, likely increasing the longevity of his career.
Schwarber’s power numbers don’t seem to be declining anytime soon. The Phillies have no other choice but to pay him. He wants to remain a Phillie, and his value in the lineup makes an extension a no-brainer.