Philadelphia Phillies designated hitter Kyle Schwarber is off to a blazing start in 2025, and his home run surge is boosting his free-agent stock.
In a Tuesday column, ESPN’s Jeff Passan highlighted players who could land nine-figure deals, and Schwarber — despite being an unconventional pick — made the list.
“A 33-year-old DH next Opening Day landing a \$100 million contract? Schwarber defies norms elsewhere, so why not here?” Passan wrote. “He produces consistently, leads in the clubhouse, and a \$25 million annual deal over four years isn’t far-fetched, especially in a market thin on elite bats.”
Indeed, Schwarber has been remarkably reliable for the Phillies. In each of his last three full seasons, he’s posted an OPS of .817 or higher and hit no fewer than 38 home runs. While strikeouts have been a trademark of his game, he draws plenty of walks and has reduced his strikeout rate to 21.9% in 2025 — down from a career average of 28.3%. He also owns a 40-game on-base streak that began last season.
Schwarber is wrapping up a four-year, \$79 million deal signed in 2022, averaging about \$20 million annually. If a team were to offer \$25 million per year for four more years, it wouldn’t be a stretch — and Schwarber may be counting on that, having reportedly declined an extension this past offseason.
His value to the Phillies is evident. As Sports Illustrated’s Troy Brock noted, Schwarber has accounted for 21.7% of Philadelphia’s home runs since 2022. In 2025 alone, he’s already hit 11, while no teammate has more than six. With Bryce Harper slumping and Alec Bohm still searching for form, Schwarber has been a steady offensive force. If he stays healthy, there’s little doubt the Phillies will want him back — and will likely have to spend big to keep him.
