Philadelphia Phillies fan favorite and power hitter Kyle Schwarber has strongly hinted that he wants to remain with the team long-term. Known for their ability to attract big-name players, the Phillies have created a roster filled with stars, both homegrown and from other teams. However, one of the challenges of assembling such a talented roster is the difficulty in retaining fan-favorite players when they hit free agency.
Schwarber, a two-time All-Star, is entering the final year of his four-year, $79 million contract signed in 2022, which means he will hit free agency next winter. While it seems unlikely that he will return, Schwarber has made it clear that he would love to stay with the Phillies if given the chance.
Reflecting on his time with the team, he shared, “I’ve enjoyed my time so much. I was with the Cubs for how many years, and then I signed the one-year deal with Boston. Being here, it feels like home now. I’d love to keep that going for as long as I can. Hopefully, we can win multiple World Series in the years to come.”
This statement certainly seems to suggest that Schwarber would like to make Philadelphia his permanent home and potentially spend the rest of his career with the Phillies.
However, it won’t be easy. Schwarber rebounded in 2024 from a rough 2023 season in which he hit below .200 for the first time in his career and led the league in strikeouts for the second consecutive year. In 2024, he had his best season yet, with an OPS of .851 and 38 home runs, while also leading the league in walks. His impressive performance only increases his value, making it more difficult for the Phillies to afford him, especially if another strong season raises his asking price.
As Schwarber enters his 30s and continues to improve, his market value will likely increase, and more teams will be willing to offer him a big contract, making it harder for the Phillies to re-sign him.
Still, the fact that Schwarber clearly loves playing in Philadelphia and wants to stay could work in the Phillies’ favor. While the business side of baseball often complicates these situations, mutual interest between both parties may provide the motivation needed to reach an agreement. Time will tell if the two sides can make it happen.
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