The New York Yankees lost Juan Soto to the New York Mets last winter. They added Paul Goldschmidt and Cody Bellinger in an attempt to fill the offensive void left by Soto. However, the Yankees did not find a real power threat to replace the 41 home runs Soto slugged last year. The Yankees could find that player this offseason in Kyle Schwarber. FanSided’s Adam Weinrib suggested the Yankees could go after Schwarber in free agency.
“Has Kyle Schwarber really been Brian Cashman’s White Whale all along, or just a misdirection? Next winter could be the chance for Cash to prove it,” wrote Weinrib. “Though Cashman was unable to secure Schwarber when he was non-tendered by the Cubs, available at the 2021 trade deadline, or on the market that offseason, the Phillies seem to be sputtering out in their quest to extend him before he reaches free agency.” Schwarber has hit 137 home runs since signing his four-year, $79 million deal in 2022. He is one of the best sluggers in the league and could be a great addition to the Yankees’ lineup.
Schwarber, 32, may not be looking for a long-term commitment, but his production has remained consistent enough to warrant one. “Schwarber, now 32, will probably be a perma-DH in the Giancarlo Stanton mold before long, and would rob the Yankees of some of their future flexibility,” wrote Weinrib. “Counterpoint? He’s a slugging cheat code, off to another ridiculous start this season. He’s not the complete player (Kyle) Tucker is, but he’d provide some ridiculous protection on what’ll likely be a three- or four-year deal.”
Schwarber would certainly create problems when it comes to Stanton’s role on the Yankees. However, the Yankees may not let something like positional value deter them from adding a 40-home run threat to their lineup. Schwarber is a two-time All-Star, and also boasts a Silver Slugger and World Series title with the Chicago Cubs.