The Philadelphia Phillies face a major decision this offseason regarding Kyle Schwarber. The veteran designated hitter has had a strong season, and with free agency approaching, a bidding war is expected. For Bryce Harper, the idea of moving forward without Schwarber in the clubhouse feels strange.
“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.”
If the Phillies are unable to re-sign Schwarber, they could shift their focus to another big bat: Kyle Tucker.
“Tucker started his first season with the Cubs on a tear, hitting 17 home runs with 52 RBIs, 20 stolen bases and a .931 OPS through June. A hand injury might have contributed to Tucker’s step back offensively in July and August, but he remains the best and most well-rounded player on the free-agent market this winter, having been worth at least 4.0 fWAR in every year since 2021. The four-time All-Star could command a deal north of $400 million. Potential fit: Phillies,” MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand wrote.
Tucker is expected to draw heavy interest, though his recent struggles with the Cubs have raised some questions.
“Tucker’s play began to deteriorate in June after he suffered a jammed right finger, and manager Craig Counsell gave him a day off last Wednesday, hoping that it would spark a turnaround. It hasn’t. Until the slugger rediscovers his first-half form, the Cubs are unlikely to pull closer to the Brewers. They will instead have to fend off hungry challengers in the NL’s wild-card hunt,” YardBarker’s Eric Smithling wrote.
Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp
If the Phillies are able to land Tucker, they would maintain their current level of competitiveness while continuing to build one of the league’s strongest rosters. Philadelphia is poised to be a World Series contender for years to come, and Tucker could be the piece that helps push them over the top. One thing is certain: the Phillies are expected to make another major move this winter.
