The Philadelphia Phillies are approaching what could be a pivotal offseason. Although their attention is currently on the NLDS showdown with the Los Angeles Dodgers, it’s hard to ignore the looming question of potential departures once the season concludes.
J.T. Realmuto, Ranger Suárez, Max Kepler, Jordan Romano, David Robertson, and Kyle Schwarber are all set to hit free agency after the year ends. It’s a significant list of core players, but none stand out more than Schwarber.
Schwarber has been sensational this season, appearing in all 162 regular-season games while slashing .240/.365/.563, leading the National League with 56 home runs and pacing all of MLB with 132 RBIs. Losing him would be a major blow, and there’s no doubt he’ll attract strong interest from multiple teams.
Phillies trade for three-time All-Star as potential Kyle Schwarber replacement
If Kyle Schwarber is not retained, the Phillies must have backup plans in place. While replacing him outright would be difficult and would undoubtedly take its toll on the supporters, Bleacher Report’s Tim Kelly suggests Alex Bregman as a possible replacement.
“If Schwarber signs elsewhere, Bregman could be the most obvious pivot for the Phillies. Bregman would not only assist replace the offensive production lost by Schwarber’s departure, but he would also help fill the leadership hole.”
Kelly believes Bregman would make an excellent offensive replacement as well as a positive clubhouse presence. If he and Bryce Harper have a strong partnership next season, they might be a formidable force.
