Left-handed power hitter Kyle Schwarber enters free agency as one of the most dangerous bats on the market. His four-year, $79 million deal with the Phillies, signed in 2022, has expired, making him an unrestricted free agent.
Even as he approaches his age-33 season in 2026, Schwarber is projected to land a bigger, higher-paying contract. That expectation follows a massive year in which he finished second in NL MVP voting while serving strictly as a designated hitter.
He earned those accolades by batting .240 with a .365 OBP, a .928 OPS, 56 home runs, and 132 RBIs, appearing in all 162 games and proving both durable and elite.
The Phillies would like to bring Schwarber back, as he’s a fan favorite and was their top performer last season. But according to MLB.com’s Todd Zolecki, there’s still a significant gap between the two sides in contract talks.
“The club and Schwarber are not close to a deal,” Zolecki reported, noting that Schwarber’s representatives want to fully leverage his monster 2025 campaign and see no need to rush negotiations. However, the stalled progress has led to some frustration, and others wonder how long Philadelphia can afford to wait.
The Phillies remain the favorites to keep Schwarber, but the longer he stays on the open market, the more opportunity other contenders have to swoop in with a major offer.
Schwarber’s résumé only adds to the stakes. Since debuting with the Cubs in 2015, he has been a central figure on multiple teams, including Chicago’s 2016 World Series champions. He later spent time with the Nationals and Red Sox before joining Philadelphia, where his power bat has been a difference-maker.
Across 11 seasons, Schwarber has earned three All-Star selections and a Silver Slugger Award, consistently delivering big moments and high-level production. With the Phillies coming off consecutive NL East titles and Schwarber playing a major role, keeping him remains their top offseason priority.