The Philadelphia Phillies have gotten some horrible news on bringing back slugger Kyle Schwarber.
Schwarber is one of the top free agents available, and the Phillies said it was a priority to bring him back. However, MLB insider Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reported that the Phillies are not close to a deal with Schwarber.
“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 and the Phillies not being close to a deal is definitely frustrating for fans, as many expected them to get an extension done.
Meanwhile, Schwarber is starting to get interest from other teams like the Pittsburgh Pirates and Cincinnati Reds, which could make things interesting for the Phillies.
“It would be surprising (stunning?) to see the Pirates, who are reportedly interested in Schwarber, make a credible offer to him, much less one big enough to convince him to leave Philadelphia,” Zolecki added. “The Reds continue to be mentioned because Schwarber grew up a Reds fan, but it’s difficult to imagine the Reds making an offer that blows the Phillies’ out of the water.”
Schwarber has spent the last four years with the Phillies.
Schwarber Hints at Potential Move to Reds
Heading into the offseason, many expected Schwarber to re-sign with the Phillies, but that may soon come to an end.
Schwarber recently was asked about his free agency and hinted at potentially signing with his hometown Cincinnati Reds.
“I grew up going to games there, I grew up sitting in the bleachers and watching a lot of games,” Schwarber said. “I think the kid would be excited, right? You have your hometown team that is calling. But also being in the profession, knowing a little bit more about the ins and outs, you’re never going to not be open. You always have to listen and keep different options open, and see what happens. We will see.”
Schwarber leaving the Phillies for the Reds would be a big blow to Philadelphia’s offense. And, given that the two sides aren’t close, it could very well become a reality soon.
Schwarber hit .240 with 56 home runs and 132 RBIs last season.
Phillies Hoping to Keep Schwarber
After Philadelphia was eliminated from the playoffs, the Phillies turned their focus to the offseason.
The big question for the Phillies this offseason was whether or not Schwarber would be back. But, Phillies’ President of Baseball Operations Dave Dombrowski, said bringing back the slugger was key.
“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.
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