The Philadelphia Phillies may already be among the elite teams in baseball this year, but that doesn’t mean they should shy away from adding more star power. With designated hitter and MVP candidate Kyle Schwarber potentially hitting free agency, the team could soon be in the market for another big bat.
According to Fansided’s Jake Elman, one intriguing option could be New York Mets slugger, a five-time All-Star who may become one of the biggest names available.
“Elman points out that with Bryce Harper already manning first base, the fit might seem awkward at first glance. But if Schwarber departs, the Phillies could plug Alonso into the DH spot—or rotate him and Harper in similar fashion to how the Yankees juggle Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton. Pairing Alonso’s power with Harper’s presence in the lineup would be a nightmare for opposing pitchers.”
So far this season, Alonso is batting .270 with a .344 on-base percentage, a .520 slugging percentage, and 36 home runs to go with 119 RBIs. While Schwarber has put up even stronger numbers, Alonso’s production would still provide a massive boost. And if the Phillies manage to keep Schwarber while adding Alonso, the trio of Harper, Schwarber, and Alonso in the heart of the order could be downright terrifying.
The biggest obstacle, of course, is financial. Philadelphia’s front office would need to open its wallet to make it happen. Otherwise, the Phillies will face a tough decision—stick with Schwarber or pivot toward Alonso as their next offensive anchor.