Players Choice Awards reminds fans what Phillies have built and what we could lose

The 2025 Players Choice Awards were announced on Wednesday, with a pair of Philadelphia Phillies being honored. Veteran pitcher Aaron Nola was awarded the Philanthropist of the Year while soon-to-be free agent slugger Kyle Schwarber was named NL Outstanding Player.

The two awards, which are voted on by the active MLB player membership, are a good reminder of the type of organization the Phillies have built and what the team and the fans could lose this offseason.

Nola, the team's longest-tenured player is a worthy ambassador of the franchise and a positive reflection of the team he represents. Schwarber, who could have just as easily been named the Philanthropist of the Year for his efforts in the community, could have played his final game in a Phillies uniform. He will be a sought-after talent on the free agent market.

Phillies veteran Aaron Nola wins Philanthropist of the Year for work with veterans and ALS

Nola's Players Trust Philanthropist of the Year Award recognizes his community work, altruistic spirit and positive social impact away from the game.

Despite his struggles with performance and injuries on the field this season, Nola continued to work with the community off the diamond. He supports veterans through Team Red, White and Blue and supports ALS research

"We’re human beings longer than we are baseball players. So I think it’s very important for us to use our platform," Nola said about the award. "We're on a big stage as major league baseball players and as athletes in general. I think it's very important for us to use our platform to give back to the community. To me there's more than baseball and hard days for us, really is not that hard."

Per the Players Choice Awards press release, in 2024 Nola donated $197,000 ($1,000 per strikeout) to support veterans through Team Red, White and Blue. He also continues to raise awareness and support for ALS research with Strike Out ALS bowling and poker tournaments. The ALS Association of Washington, D.C., honored him with its the 2025 Volunteer Impact Award.

Kyle Schwarber voted by peers as NL Outstanding Player in possibly his final season with Phillies

Schwarber had a career season in the final year of his four-year deal in Philadelphia. He carried the offense for much of the Phillies' 96-win campaign.

The 32-year-old slugged a career-high 56 home runs, two shy of the franchise single-season record. He also set career highs with 132 RBIs, leading the majors, OPS (.928), hits (145), runs (111) and fWAR (4.9).

He's a Silver Slugger Award finalist at the designated hitter position and is a good bet to finish second in NL MVP voting.

"I don't ever say that I'm trying to be a leader, I'm trying to do this, I'm trying to do that, I'm just being myself," Schwarber said. "I wouldn't be getting this award without a lot of different people. I think that starts with your teammates, our coaching staff. They grind everday with you and they put you in a lot of positions to succeed."

Phillies fans know that there's a chance that Schwarber will sign with a different team this winter (subscription required). The fit in Philly seems a perfect match and Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski has repeatedly said this year that re-signing the beloved slugger and clubhouse leader is a top priority.

Unfortunately, we also know that once free agency begins, anything can happen. With Schwarber reportedly looking for a five-year deal worth around $150 million, whichever team signs him is making a big investment in their designated spot.

Fans hope that the Phillies make that investment and keep him hitting home runs at Citizens Bank Park for the remainder of his career.