Kyle Schwarber’s future with the Philadelphia Phillies has suddenly become one of the most pivotal questions surrounding the franchise.
“I believe they are letting Schwarber go to free agency,” John Kincade said June 16 on 97.5 The Fanatic. “I do not expect that Schwarber is going to be signed before the end of the year. From what I was told, they gave an offer. The offer was not embarrassing but it was, ‘yeah, that’s not getting it done.’”
Letting Schwarber go could create space to address other needs — but it would also leave a massive hole at the top of the lineup. The Phillies signed him to a four-year, $79 million contract in 2022.
Phillies Unlikely to Trade Schwarber, But They Aren’t Completely Ruling It Out
The Phillies are riding a five-game win streak, despite injuries to Bryce Harper, and a major hit to the starter rotation without Aaron Nola.
Rookie slugger Otto Kemp has stepped up, hitting .303 through nine games, and Trea Turner has on a tear at the plate over the last month. But Schwarber’s presence in the lineup is still one of the biggest factors to the team’s success.
Sitting No. 2 behind the New York Mets in the NL East, the Phillies appear destined to make the postseason. However, Schwarber’s potential departure certainly raises eyebrows about the team’s direction for the rest of the 2025 campaign.
At 32, he’s still producing at a high level, and his bat would be coveted by teams with championship aspirations and deep pockets. It’ll be interesting to see how the Phillies handle this situation leading up to the July 31 trade deadline.
Phillies’ Payroll Priorities & Long-Term Vision
Schwarber has expressed interest in staying, and the city has embraced him. But without a preemptive extension, this situation could shift quickly once the market opens.
As the trade deadline approaches, so does a moment of reckoning. Will the Phillies go all-in to keep Schwarber, or will they allow a foundational piece to walk away beyond this season?
The win-now status may actually heighten the pressure to retain him. Without Schwarber, rebuilding the leadoff and power core of the lineup becomes a top priority. If he stays, it signals another serious push toward a World Series run.
Either way, all signs point to the Phillies are facing one of their most critical roster decisions in recent memory. And it may be decided well before winter meetings begin.
Still, Schwarber’s value can’t be overstated. His blend of left-handed power, veteran presence, and postseason pedigree has made him a fan favorite and one of the true mainstays of the franchise.
With Harper still recovering from his elbow and wrist ailments, Schwarber’s contributions have been essential to keeping the Phillies in contention.
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