The Philadelphia Phillies are still leading the NL East and have a good chance of winning it again in a row. But without Zack Wheeler, one of their greatest pitchers, they will need to maintain the lead.
“The team stated that they have not yet established a timeline for Wheeler’s recuperation, and manager Rob Thomson informed reporters that he will not be able to determine whether or not Wheeler can return to the mound this season until they have additional information,” Gabe Lacques of USA Today wrote.
The Phillies will receive a sizable payout after the postseason, enough to retain Kyle Schwarber in the City of Brotherly Love. Bryce Harper has already said it would be weird if they didn’t keep him.
Bryce Harper recently admitted to MLB.com that he can’t really imagine the Phillies’ clubhouse without Kyle Schwarber. He said it would feel strange not having him around because of the kind of presence Schwarber brings every single day. Harper praised him not only for his ability to hit home runs but also for the way he carries himself as a leader, how respected he is in the locker room, and the impact he makes off the field in the community. He mentioned Schwarber’s family, describing him as a genuinely good person, and even called him someone the Phillies could easily continue building the team around. Harper also acknowledged the reality that Schwarber is headed for free agency and will command a huge contract because of how valuable he is. Harper’s hope, though, is that it never gets that far and that Philadelphia can find a way to keep him for the long term.
From the business side, the Phillies will likely have to pay up if they want to make that happen. Reports suggest that Schwarber’s next deal could be in the range of five years and $150 million, which breaks down to about $30 million per season. Some insiders believe he might even push for more, given his power at the plate and his reputation as both a clubhouse leader and a marketable star.