There's no question that designated hitter Kyle Schwarber will be on a lot of team's radars at the end of the 2025 season. With Schwarber in the last year of his deal, the Philadelphia Phillies risk losing one of the biggest bats they've had in quite some time and face the reality of potentially competing against 29 other teams for his services.
One team that is rumored to have interest is the division rival Atlanta Braves.
The Phillies reportedly spoke with Schwarber about an extension, but talks failed to progress. They could get a deal done after the season, if not before then, but the Braves being a potential option leaves a pit in Phillies fans' stomachs.
Seeing Kyle Schwarber sign with the Braves is a terrifying prospect for Phillies fans
Before Aaron Nola signed a new free agent deal with the Phillies prior to the 2024 season, the Braves were inquiring about Nola and looked to directly impact one of their biggest division rivals. The same could be said about Schwarber and his worth on the open market.
The Braves' current designated hitter, Marcell Ozuna, is in the final year of his deal. They could be looking to move on from him as he turns 35 in 2026. Jim Bowden of The Athletic knows the impact Schwarber's bat could make in a number of lineups, especially in Atlanta, who would reportedly "love to have him" (subscription required).
“Schwarber is arguably the best teammate in the game, reaches base at a 39 percent clip and is always in the hunt for the home run crown," Bowden writes. "He’s a player most teams will covet if they have an opening or flexibility at the DH spot. The Phillies want to retain Schwarber and are prepared to give him a long-term contract at the appropriate time. However, several other teams would love to have him, including the Braves (if they lose Marcell Ozuna in free agency), Reds (who could use his power and leadership), Padres (he’d be a great fit in their clubhouse) and AL Central teams like the Tigers, Royals and Guardians who all need more power.”
At 32 years old, Schwarber continues to defy logic. Now 51 games into 2025, he's currently tied for the MLB lead in home runs with 17. He also surpassed 300 career home runs on the road trip in Colorado, per MLB.com's Paul Casella. He's on pace to hit at least 40 home runs for the third time in his career, with his 2025 start leaving optimism for 50. If he does, he would become only the second player in franchise history to hit 50 homers in a season — Ryan Howard did it during his 2006 MVP year when he hit 58.
466 FT later!
— MLB (@MLB) May 20, 2025
THIS angle of Kyle Schwarber's 300th career homer! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/lZsnwGnjdf
The scenario of Schwarber joining the Braves would be a worst-case scenario. As great of a teammate and a leader as he's been in Philadelphia, it would be painful to see him doing it while wearing another uniform. The Braves have fallen in recent years and may look to add one of the best sluggers on the market. Braves general manager Alex Anthopoulos tends to work quietly when adding to his roster, so the Phillies better not waste any more time and re-sign Schwarber to keep one of the great Phillies here for as long as possible.