This offseason, the Philadelphia Phillies must make a crucial decision regarding Kyle Schwarber. The veteran designated hitter has had a good season, and as free agency approaches, a bidding war is expected. Bryce Harper finds the concept of moving ahead without Schwarber in the clubhouse strange.
“I was talking to somebody the other day,” Harper told MLB.com. “And I was thinking, ‘Man, it would be weird not to have [Schwarber] in our clubhouse.'” He’s such an effective leader. He’s such a nice person in the community. Great family, great person. I believe he’s someone our team can build around.”
If the Phillies are unable to re-sign Schwarber, they may turn their attention to another big bat: Kyle Tucker.
“Tucker began his first season with the Cubs on a tear, hitting 17 home runs, 52 RBIs, 20 stolen bases, and.931 OPS through June.” Tucker’s offensive decline in July and August could be attributed to a hand injury, but he remains the finest and most well-rounded player on the free-agent market this winter, having produced at least 4.0 fWAR in every year since 2021. The four-time All-Star may command a deal worth more than $400 million. Mark Feinsand of MLB.com commented, “Potential fit: Phillies.”
Tucker is expected to receive a lot of attention, but his recent difficulties with the Cubs have created some worries.
“Tucker’s play deteriorated in June after he suffered a jammed right finger, so manager Craig Counsell gave him a day off last Wednesday, hoping it might inspire a turnaround. It has not. Until the slugger rediscovers his first-half form, the Cubs are unlikely to catch up to the Brewers. They will instead have to face off hungry competitors in the NL’s wild-card hunt,” YardBarker’s Eric Smithling wrote.
If the Phillies are able to sign Tucker, they will retain their present level of competition while also building one of the league’s strongest rosters. Philadelphia is ready to be a World Series contender for many years, and Tucker could be the missing piece to help them get there.
One thing is certain: the Phillies are expected to make another significant move this winter.