The Boston Red Sox “love” impending free agent slugger Kyle Schwarber of the Philadelphia Phillies and could “show some real interest” in him if he does not return to Philly, per Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com.
“Cora has been clear about his admiration for Schwarber, who the Red Sox love, and if a quick reunion with the Phillies doesn’t come together, expect Boston to show some real interest there. Doing so might force the club to spend something close to $50 million — yes, you read that right — on its DH spot between a Schwarber average annual value around $30 million and Yoshida’s sunk cost at $18 million. That, however, is what big-market, win-now teams do. Alonso fits the club as a DH much better than he does as a first baseman, where his defense is more than suspect.”
Schwarber, who turns 33 years old on March 5, hit a National League-leading 56 home runs while amassing an MLB-high 132 RBI in 2025.
The Red Sox may have a tough time landing Schwarber considering Philadelphia’s strong desire to keep him in town.
Scott Lauber of the Philadelphia Inquirer said rival MLB executives believe team owner John Middleton will do whatever it takes to keep Schwarber around.
Matt Gelb of The Athletic stated that the “overwhelming sentiment among team officials is that Schwarber is important to the entire operation.”
In addition, the Chicago Cubs, Schwarber’s first team, could be interested in adding him. Gelb stated that the Cubs are “one team in particular to monitor as negotiations unfold.”
As far as a contract goes, Gelb said Schwarber will look for a five-year deal this season, although he added it’s “difficult to see” a team offering a contract of that length to a DH. He did note, though, that there’s “an amicable path toward the Phillies and Schwarber reuniting on a lucrative four-year contract.”
As far as the Red Sox go, Schwarber could be a great fit on a team that can use a player of his prodigious power. No Boston hitter smacked more than 25 home runs last year, so Schwarber can help add some needed pop.
The Red Sox do have talented hitters that will be on the roster in 2026 and beyond, most notably potential superstar Roman Anthony, but Schwarber can be an anchor for a team that’s on the upswing after improving from 81 to 89 wins and making the playoffs.
For now, Schwarber remains an impending free agent, but his hot-stove story will be one to watch moving forward.