The Philadelphia Phillies have finally gotten good news on the potential return of Kyle Schwarber.
Schwarber is one of the top free agents available, and many Phillies fans have clamoured for him to be brought back. However, several teams have been linked to him, and there hasn’t been much of an update on him.
But on Sunday on Threads, ESPN MLB insider Jeff Passan gave a positive update on the future of Schwarber returning to the Phillies, as he claimed Philadelphia is the favorite to bring back the slugger.
“Kyle Schwarber: The bellwether of the class. Schwarber’s market is healthy,” Passan wrote on Threads. “He’s going to get years, and he’s going to get AAV, and at this point, he might be the likeliest of the big free agents to sign first. Unclear if something gets done before the meetings, but I’d be surprised if they end and he doesn’t have a team. The Phillies remain the favorite, with Boston, Cincinnati, the Mets and others in the mix.”
Schwarber has been an impact bat for the Phillies for his entire four-year contract with the team. So, Philadelphia is hoping to extend him to keep their championship window alive.
Schwarber hit .240 with 56 home runs and 132 RBIs last season with the Phillies.
Phillies Reportedly Not Close to a Deal
Although Passan claims the Phillies are reportedly the favorites to sign Schwarber, the deal is not close.
MLB insider Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reported that Philadelphia and Schwarber aren’t close to a deal.
“The Phils have prioritized re-signing free agents Kyle Schwarber and J.T. Realmuto,” Zolecki wrote. “The club and Schwarber are not close to a deal, according to sources. It isn’t a surprise at this time of year.
“Schwarber’s agents want to capitalize on his monstrous 2025 season in which he finished second for NL MVP behind Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani. There’s no reason to rush it. But the lack of progress can be frustrating, while others wonder how long the Phils can wait.”
Schwarber has also been linked to his hometown Cincinnati Reds, and he hinted at the possibility. But, for now, it appears the door to a return to Philadelphia is the most open.
Philadelphia Wants Schwarber to Return
Schwarber has been a key part of the Phillies roster for four years now, and the team is hoping they can extend it.
Phillies’ President of Baseball Operations Dave Dombrowski said bringing back Schwarber is the top priority for the team.
“I mean, we’d love to keep him as part of the organization for the long term, there’s no doubt,” Dombrowski said. “We’ll see where that takes us. He’s putting up big numbers. And I’m sure there’ll be a lot of other clubs that are interested in him too. But we’d love to keep him as part of the organization and hope that it happens.”
Schwarber is a three-time MLB All-Star. He’s also a two-time NL home run leader, and one-time Silver Slugger Award winner, and will be line for a lucrative, multi-year deal in free agency.
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