The Philadelphia Phillies head into the 2025-2026 MLB offseason with one clear goal: re-sign designated hitter Kyle Schwarber. Losing the 2025 NL MVP runner-up would be a massive loss, one the Phillies want to avoid.

But Schwarber will have plenty of options this winter, and the Phillies might be put in a tricky spot with his free agency.

As one MLB executive stated for a prediction piece from ESPN’s Jesse Rogers, the Phillies might need to overpay to retain Schwarber this winter. The reason why was explained clearly: the Phillies need him more than he needs the Phillies.

Why Phillies might need to overpay to sign Kyle Schwarber

“The Phillies need Schwarber more than he needs them,” one MLB executive said, “so in pure contract terms, they may have to overpay. But he’s worth it. He’ll stay.”

This prediction from an MLB executive is a bittersweet one. While the MLB exec is predicting Schwarber to re-sign with the Phillies, it’s predicted to be a bigger contract than what he might normally get.

While there’s not a clear number which Schwarber is reportedly looking for, he’s received multiple predictions sitting around five years at $150 million total, or $30 million per year.

While not a cheap deal for a designated hitter only, as the MLB exec said, it would be worth it for the Phillies.

More: Phillies linked to Pete Alonso as a Kyle Schwarber replacement

Schwarber hit an NL-leading 56 home runs in 2025, along with knocking in an MLB-leading 132 RBIs this past season. The three-time All-Star and 2025 All-Star Game MVP is a priority re-signing candidate this winter for the Phillies.

Even if it may cost a bit of an overpay to bring him back, it’s a deal that would be worth it for the Phillies. He’s a beloved player in the city and has ingrained himself in the clubhouse.

Seeing him depart would be a huge blow for the Phillies, so while an extension might be an overpay due to an active market, it’s one the Phillies would be better off paying as opposed to letting him walk.

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