As nine-figure contracts become increasingly common targets for players and agents, Philadelphia Phillies designated hitter Kyle Schwarber could be next in line to secure a deal worth over \$100 million.
According to ESPN’s Jeff Passan, Schwarber possesses all the qualities to justify such a contract. Passan views him as a prime candidate to join the next wave of \$100 million earners, suggesting that a deal with an average annual value of \$25 million or more is well within reason.
“A designated hitter approaching his 33rd birthday landing a nine-figure deal might seem unusual, but Schwarber is an outlier in many ways,” Passan wrote. “He’s consistently productive, a standout clubhouse presence, and in a market lacking elite hitters, a four-year, \$100 million contract would be entirely justifiable.”
Can Kyle Schwarber Get His Wish to Stay in Philadelphia?
Kyle Schwarber is entering the final year of his four-year, \$79 million contract with the Philadelphia Phillies, set to earn \$20 million in 2025, per Spotrac. With free agency looming after the season, the Phillies will need to decide whether to extend Schwarber or risk losing him on the open market.
Schwarber has made it clear he wants to remain in Philadelphia and was hoping for a new deal earlier in the offseason. Speaking to MLB.com in February, he expressed optimism but noted that contract talks hadn’t progressed far yet. “We’ll see,” Schwarber said. “I know there is interest on our side. We’ll see what happens throughout this camp, if they approach us and get deeper and deeper into discussion.”
He emphasized that winning remains the priority and could be the key to securing a new deal. Quoting former teammate Jon Lester, Schwarber added, “The best way to get paid is to win – so I will just focus on that. It’s what I have always focused on.”
Will Phillies Keep Their Veteran Core Together?
The Philadelphia Phillies came up short in 2024, falling to the New York Mets in the National League Division Series. As the 2025 season approaches, Kyle Schwarber is hopeful the team can finally take the next step.
“I feel like the pickups we’ve made have been quality,” Schwarber said. “And obviously we lost some quality people, but at the end of the day, it’s going to come down to us. We know that we have a good team.”
With much of the roster intact, Schwarber believes the continuity of the team’s core gives them a real shot at a championship this year. “We’ve had about the same core of players for the last, going on Year 3, Year 4, so we know what we have,” he said. “I don’t think there’s any shock and I don’t think we’re going to shock anyone else. Everyone knows the lineup and everyone knows the pitchers’ names and the guys in the bullpen. It’s just going to come down to us to figure out a way to get where we want to be.”
As he enters the final year of his current contract, Schwarber’s future remains uncertain. If an extension with the Phillies isn’t reached, he’s poised to become one of the top free agents available next offseason.