The Philadelphia Phillies remain one of Major League Baseball’s strongest teams, but they face the possibility of losing star slugger Kyle Schwarber in free agency this offseason. According to Jim Bowden, Schwarber is projected to command a major contract worth around $160 million, a figure that will narrow the number of teams able to compete for him.
Retaining Schwarber is a major priority for Philadelphia. He is one of the most impactful hitters available this winter, and securing a new deal would help maintain the team’s championship-caliber roster.
Erik Beaston of Bleacher Report recently predicted that Schwarber will ultimately re-sign with the Phillies. He argued that teams like the Pittsburgh Pirates have almost no realistic chance of landing Schwarber unless they offer an unusually large contract, noting that it is unlikely Schwarber would choose a team not expected to contend for the postseason.
Schwarber has established himself as one of the league’s elite power hitters and would have been a leading contender for the National League MVP award if not for Shohei Ohtani’s historic season. He has also become a fan favorite in Philadelphia, adding to the urgency for the Phillies to bring him back.
While several teams may be hesitant to pursue a designated hitter of Schwarber’s profile, this could reduce the intensity of the market and work in Philadelphia’s favor. Based on the current landscape, the Phillies appear well-positioned to secure a new deal with the slugger.
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