The Philadelphia Phillies did what they set out to do in free agency. Designated hitter Kyle Schwarber was a free agent for a little over a month before his return to Philadelphia, where he's hit 187 home runs since 2022, on a five-year, $150 million deal. Schwarber is coming off a career year in 2025 in which he hit .240 with an NL-leading 56 home runs.
Schwarber's value was expected to be high entering his contract year, but even the Phillies couldn't have predicted that he would go out and finish runner-up to Shohei Ohtani for the NL MVP. Schwarber helped carry the Phillies to another division title, who are happy to see him back and ready to lead them back to the postseason.
On the flip side, there was worry about committing a long-term deal to a mid-30s power hitter with limited defensive flexibility. The Phillies wouldn't be alone in thinking so, but Phillies manager Rob Thomson reassured the fan base that bringing him back is a much bigger deal than just adding Schwarber the baseball player.
Rob Thomson praises Kyle Schwarber's value to Phillies beyond his bat
The newly extended Thomson spoke at length on Tuesday from the Winter Meetings about what Schwarber means to the franchise and what kind of player they're still getting over the next five years.
“Well, we've always wanted him back,” Thomson said. “He's so different than most of the guys I've ever been around. He's a great player, one, and he knows how to bring the heartbeat of a clubhouse down when, when things are going rough. Not only the clubhouse, but individuals as well. He's just a huge part of our ball club.”
Thomson said that the Phillies "always wanted him back" and he's right. It's also the reason the Phillies were named the favorites to land him all offseason.
Schwarber became an undeniable leader in the Phillies clubhouse. The more time that passed, the more respect he gained among his peers. The numbers have been fantastic, but the leadership qualities he possesses are the real glue for the organization.
As for how he'll perform on the field, there were obvious concerns about a potential decline. It will be hard to maintain the numbers Schwarber put up last year, but Thomson's take on where he is physically and mentally is certainly encouraging, given he's entering his age-33 season in 2026.
“I think just his work ethic," Thomson said. "You know, the body's gotten better over time. He's in the best shape of his life right now, and I don't think that's going to change.”
There's an expected decline at some point, but the Phillies and Thomson are confident he can remain an elite player through the duration of the deal. Even if the performance takes a slight dip from where it was in 2025, he's still one of the best pure power hitters in the league with a voice that people will listen to.
“He's so intelligent," Thomson said. "He sees the game a little bit different than a lot of other guys, and he works at it, watches a lot of film. I think there's a really good chance that he's going to maintain this level. I mean, this, this was an unbelievable year for him, so I don't think we can expect this every year, but I still think he's going to be a high-level performer.”