The Philadelphia Phillies are expected to spend the winter exploring trade or contract options for Kyle Schwarber. Since joining the team, Schwarber has been one of the most productive bats in the lineup, but his future in Philadelphia is uncertain. Bryce Harper made it clear how strange it would feel if Schwarber didn’t return.
“I was talking to somebody the other day,” Harper told MLB.com. “And I was like, ‘Man, it would be weird not to have [Schwarber] in our clubhouse.’ He’s such a good leader. He’s such a good person in the community. Great family, great person. I think he’s a guy that obviously our team can build around. Obviously, he’s going to make a lot of money [as a free agent]. He’s going to be a very hot commodity on the market.”
If the Phillies want to bring Schwarber back, it won’t come cheap.
“According to Scott Lauber of The Philadelphia Inquirer, the expectation is that Schwarber is seeking a five-year deal close to $30 million annually. That could end up around the $150 million range by the time he puts pen to paper. It’s a lot of money to attribute to any slugger, given he’ll turn 33 next season,” TBOH’s Matt Davis wrote.
While re-signing Schwarber seems like the most likely scenario, some believe letting him walk may be the smarter long-term decision.
“The Phillies should not re-sign Schwarber to a multi-year contract. Not signing him will hurt the club offensively and the front office would need to have a plan to replace the home run hitter. However, what if they bring him back for multiple years and he begins to decline? Either decision brings a certain amount of risk,” TBOH’s Matt Grazel wrote. “This roster needs substantial changes. While unpopular and risky, the decision not to re-sign Schwarber represents the best chance for Dombrowski to shake up the roster, which is necessary at this point.”
The Phillies have effectively been sent a Schwarber warning — bringing him back comes with risk, and letting him go would force change. It will be interesting to see whether they decide to move on or commit big money to keep him.
Philadelphia has enjoyed its time with Schwarber, but all good things eventually come to an end. If the Phillies decide not to take the risk, Schwarber won’t have any trouble finding a lucrative deal elsewhere.
