Kyle Schwarber delivered 56 home runs and 132 RBI for the Philadelphia Phillies in 2025, so it is no surprise that the 32-year-old designated hitter is set to be one of the most coveted free agents this off-season, nor is it surprising that several teams are interested in acquiring his services.
ESPN’s Jeff Passan reported that the incumbent team, as well as the Boston Red Sox, New York Mets, Toronto Blue Jays, Detroit Tigers, and Pittsburgh Pirates, are all interested in acquiring the slugger.
He added that his annual average value could be as high as $30 million, but that he will not receive greater than a five-year deal.
It is not surprising to see the interest in Schwarber. If this year’s postseason performance by the heavy-hitting Jays is any indication, offense is as important to the pursuit of a World Series in this era as pitching.
At his best, the Indiana University Bloomington product delivers that.
Most intriguing of the teams named by Passan are the Pirates, who are notorious non-spenders. Whether it is a renewed desire to win, a determination to convince Cy Young winner Paul Skenes that they are invested in him and his future with the team, or smoke and mirrors, it is a welcome sign to see one of the most storied franchises in the game event mentioned among the high-profile squads looking into acquiring Schwarber.
Ultimately, though, Schwarber is so beloved in Philadelphia, both by fans and teammates alike, that the Phillies should be considered the favorite to re-sign him until something more concrete than mere interest from the other teams emerges.
Prediction: Schwarber stays put in Philadelphia