Kyle Schwarber has been one of the greatest free-agent signings in Philadelphia Phillies history, inking a four-year, $79 million deal
Kyle Schwarber has been one of the greatest free-agent signings in Philadelphia Phillies history, inking a four-year, $79 million deal ahead of the 2022 season. He became the team’s unquestioned leader from Day 1, and has smashed 161 home runs since putting on the red pinstripes. However, he’s in his walk year and his latest comments should cause the Phillies front office to pause.
Speaking to The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Scott Lauber ahead of Tuesday night’s All-Star game, Schwarber talked about what it would mean to play for his favorite childhood team — the Cincinnati Reds.
“Being a baseball fan and growing up and watching Cincinnati baseball for your whole youth, that’s how you fall in love with baseball, I think it would draw your attention, right?” Schwarber, who grew up in Middletown, Ohio, said. “Being able to play for your childhood team is something that I think it’d be awesome.”
Losing Schwarber in the offseason would be a massive blow for the Phillies. Not only would the lineup be decimated, they would also lose their clubhouse captain.
The slugger’s camp and the Phillies attempted to get an extension done during the offseason but no agreement came close to materializing. However, Schwarber wants to continue playing in Philadelphia.
“I’ve made it known that Philly’s been home for me these last four years, and that’s where my kids have been growing up,” Schwarber explained. “We spend more time in Philadelphia than we do at our own home [in Ohio] in the offseason, and that’s what they know home is. It’s been such a great time there.
“Obviously there’s interest on my side, and I know that there’s going to be interest on their side. At the end of the year, we’re going to see where that takes us, and if that’s us striking up a deal, it’s striking up a deal.”
Since Schwarber signed, the Phillies have made the postseason every year, including a World Series appearance in 2022. They’re currently in first place in the National League East and well-positioned to make the playoffs for a fourth consecutive year.
“We’ve played a lot of meaningful baseball games in Philadelphia, and the postseason environment is second to none,” Schwarber said. “To be able to feel like you’re playing a Tuesday night game and it’s sold out, 40,000, that’s something you don’t want to take for granted and you appreciate that.”
ESPN’s Jeff Passan predicts Schwarber, who will be 33 for the 2026 season, will land a four-year, $100 million contract this offseason.
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