Phillies’ powerhouse Schwarber shines as potential extension looms over his $79M contract amid calls for aging slugger to stay on board
The Philadelphia Phillies have established themselves as a formidable force in Major League Baseball, largely thanks to their intimidating lineup. At the forefront of this lineup is Kyle Schwarber, a player who defies traditional leadoff hitter conventions but excels in his role nonetheless. Schwarber’s ability to draw walks and hit home runs has proven to be a winning formula for the Phillies, often setting the team up for success right from the start of games.
Following a successful playoff run with the Boston Red Sox in 2021, Schwarber secured a lucrative four-year, $79 million contract with the Phillies. In hindsight, this deal now appears to be a bargain for the team. Schwarber’s contributions have been invaluable, leading the Phillies to a World Series appearance, 20 playoff victories, and a National League East title.
However, there are concerns surrounding Schwarber’s future. At this stage in his career, he is limited to serving as a designated hitter and is on the wrong side of 30. With the profile of a player who may not age gracefully, the question arises: should the Phillies take the risk of signing him to another long-term contract after this season?
Phillies insider Matt Gelb, writing for The Athletic, strongly believes that the team should indeed take that risk. In a recent column, Gelb argued in favor of offering Schwarber another contract to keep him in Philadelphia. Gelb points out that Schwarber had a higher OPS (On-Base Plus Slugging percentage) than several left-handed hitters in 2024, including superstars like Shohei Ohtani, Juan Soto, Yordan Alvarez, Bryce Harper, Gunnar Henderson, Rafael Devers, Corey Seager, and Freddie Freeman.
Gelb’s case for Schwarber’s extension is further bolstered by the slugger’s impressive performance on the field. In addition to his impressive OPS, Schwarber hit 38 home runs last season. Since 2018, he has consistently hit at least 32 home runs in every full-length season, accumulating an impressive career total of 284.
The prospect of Schwarber reaching the milestone of 500 home runs is tantalizing, especially if he accomplishes this feat while wearing the same Phillies uniform as Bryce Harper, who is also on track for the milestone. Beyond the statistical achievements, Schwarber has become an integral part of the team’s chemistry and camaraderie. Retaining him would not only benefit the roster but also serve as a gesture of goodwill towards the fan base.
As the Phillies weigh their options for the future, the decision to extend Schwarber’s contract is one that carries both risks and rewards. While his age and position limitations may raise concerns, his consistent offensive production and potential for continued success make a compelling case for his retention. Ultimately, the Phillies must weigh the financial implications and long-term roster planning against the immediate impact and intangible value that Schwarber brings to the team.