The Philadelphia Phillies are facing a major offseason decision regarding their star designated hitter, Kyle Schwarber. The 32-year-old is in the final year of his four-year, $79 million deal and is set to become a free agent at the end of the season. Given his impressive performance so far in 2025, he’s likely earned himself a significant payday.
In 59 games, Schwarber is hitting .266 with a .398 on-base percentage and a .584 slugging percentage, along with 19 home runs, 44 RBIs, 43 walks, and a .982 OPS. His advanced metrics are equally impressive—he boasts a 170 wRC+ and has already accumulated 2.1 fWAR. Schwarber has become a cornerstone of the Phillies’ offense, and teammate Bryce Harper made it clear he wants him to stay.
“I don’t see him playing anywhere else,” Harper told the Philadelphia Inquirer. “I don’t make those decisions, but as a leader, I know how much he brings to our team.” Harper praised Schwarber’s development and influence, calling him one of the most impactful hitters in the league and admiring his ability to hit for power against both righties and lefties.
Schwarber joined the Phillies in 2022 after six seasons with the Chicago Cubs and a split 2021 between the Nationals and Red Sox. Since arriving in Philadelphia, he’s reached new heights—crushing 46 home runs in 2022, then 47 in 2023, and driving in 104 runs in both 2023 and 2024. He’s earned MVP votes in each of the past three seasons.
The Phillies, currently 36-23 and just one game behind the Mets in the NL East, owe much of their success to Schwarber. He leads the team in nearly every major offensive category: home runs, RBIs, OBP, slugging, OPS, wRC+, and fWAR. Letting him walk in free agency would be a tough blow for a team built around his production.