Phillies reportedly ‘not close to a deal’ with Kyle Schwarber
Aug 28, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Phillies designated hitter Kyle Schwarber (12) hits a three-run home run against the Atlanta Braves in the seventh inning at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images
Right now, the Phillies and their top target are not close to the same page on a deal.
Coming off a 2025 season where Kyle Schwarber led the NL in three categories — games played (162), home runs (56), and RBI (136, also the most in the majors) — he and the Phillies “are not close to a deal” to bring him back to Philadelphia, according to Todd Zolecki of MLB.com.
This, however, should not come as a surprise, as we are extremely early in the negotiation process of the MLB offseason.
“Schwarber’s agents want to capitalize on his monstrous 2025 season in which he finished second for NL MVP behind Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani,” Zolecki wrote. “There’s no reason to rush it.
“But the lack of progress can be frustrating, while others wonder how long the Phils can wait.”
The Phillies cannot afford to lose Schwarber if they do not have some sort of backup plan. He, debatably, has been the most important player on this team over the last four years. When he goes, the team goes. He leads by example and with his voice and character. Over four years in Philadelphia, Schwarber has hit 187 homers and has ranked among the league leaders in walks and on-base percentage.
“The Phils have prioritized re-signing free agents Kyle Schwarber and J.T. Realmuto,” Zoecki says. “The feeling here is that Schwarber will remain in Philadelphia.”
Schwarber will be 33 years old on Opening Day and heading into his 12th season in the Major Leagues. He will likely become the 19th player to make over $30 million a year as a primary designated hitter.
“This feels somewhat similar to Realmuto’s free agency in 2020-21,” Zolecki compared. “Realmuto’s agency at one point asked for more than $200 million, creating some level of pessimism inside the organization.
“Realmuto eventually signed a five-year, $115.5 million contract in January 2021 to remain with the Phillies.”
Winter Meetings kick off in two weeks in Orlando. We can expect things to pick up then.
Benjamin Goldstein
Benjamin has been covering Philly Sports for Philly Sports Reports since 2017. He is a podcaster, writer, and founder of Philly Sports Reports. Benjamin is also an intern at the WBCB Sports Network on 1490AM. Through Philly Sports Reports, Benjamin has gotten the opportunity to meet Phillies owner John Middleton in his suite and be honored as the Philadelphia sports fan of the week for KYW News Radio. He hopes to be reporting on Philly sports as a full-time job in the future.
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