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Philadelphia Phillies designated hitter Kyle Schwarber
Over the next few months, the Philadelphia Phillies may find themselves caught in a bit of a Catch-22.
Although given the position and jersey number of the player involved, would it be more appropriate to call it a DH-12?
Whatever the title, it could result in a very uncomfortable situation for the Phillies, ironically caused by something they actually hope to see happen. Because a successful stretch for Kyle Schwarber in September and October would go a long way toward boosting Philadelphia’s postseason hopes.
However, it could also go a long way toward ensuring that Schwarber plays elsewhere starting next season.
Kyle Schwarber Approaches Free Agency on MVP-Level Tear Through 2025
The 32-year-old left-handed slugger is in the final season of a four-year, $79 million contract, and his pending free agency has been a topic of discussion for MLB pundits and analysts throughout 2025. The question of how much money to pay for a full-time designated hitter – particularly one who will turn 33 during spring training in 2026 – has fueled endless speculation over which team could ultimately push Schwarber’s next deal well into the nine-figure range.
Will he stay in Philadelphia, where his family has started to grow roots? Would he return to a familiar spot in the AL East for a deal that “makes sense?” Is there any truth to reports suggesting that Schwarber has eyes on a team near his childhood home in southwest Ohio? Or could he just go where the money is, regardless of the destination?
Whatever the outcome, Schwarber is definitely doing his part to sweeten any deal.
With just over three weeks remaining in the regular season, Schwarber has already reached new career highs with 49 home runs, two off Cal Raleigh for the MLB lead, and 119 RBIs, which is tops in the league. Most MLB insiders believe that Schwarber’s next contract will be for at least four years, with the starting price likely to begin at about $30 million per.
But a strong showing during a pennant chase might push both of those numbers even higher, and as ESPN’s Jeff Passan recently noted, it wouldn’t be wise to bet against Schwarber in those types of pressure-packed situations.
More Playoff Heroics From Kyle Schwarber Could ‘Trigger a Bidding War’
In a Thursday article analyzing potential free agent outcomes this winter, Passan looked at the season Schwarber has put together to suggest that he is a DH that has proven himself worthy of a contract beyond what is typically spent for the position. In particular, Passan spotlighted Schwarber’s OPS of 1.244 in late and close situations this season, an eye-popping number that is nearly 100 points higher than Shohei Ohtani, who is second in that category.
“Because of all he brings, Schwarber is going to get paid. Like, paid paid,” Passan wrote. “Teams will scoff because of the age, the strikeouts, the positional inflexibility. But Schwarber’s total package will ultimately push some of them off such concerns and trigger a bidding war.”
A bidding war that could get ugly if Schwarber powers the Phillies through a magical October.
Schwarber has built a deserved reputation as a playoff performer, with 21 home runs in 69 postseason games. Imagine the number of suitors that could come calling if a few well-timed Schwarbombs were to spark a World Series run.
The Phillies would undoubtedly be willing to pay the price for that scenario. They may very well also be willing to pay the price to keep Schwarber in Philadelphia beyond 2025, regardless of how high the numbers end up going.
But it could get painful.
Dave Benson is a veteran writer with over three decades of journalism experience covering sports primarily in the St. Louis metropolitan area. Dave is also a licensed English teacher and spent several years teaching at the middle school level. More about Dave Benson
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