ESPN insider Jeff Passan believes Kyle Schwarber could be the first major domino to fall in this year’s MLB free-agency cycle.
In a Threads update Sunday, Passan labeled Schwarber as “the likeliest of the big free agents to sign first,” adding he’d be surprised if the slugger isn’t off the board by the end of the Winter Meetings or sooner.
That stands in contrast to Todd Zolecki’s recent reporting, which suggested nothing seemed imminent on the Phillies’ free-agent front. If Passan is right, the pace may be picking up quickly, with Schwarber now viewed as the potential tone-setter for the entire “big name” offseason extravaganza.
An interesting wrinkle is the inclusion of the New York Mets among the teams involved. On paper, they could certainly use another impact bat, but their own free agent, Pete Alonso, remains unsigned. The Mets have never been afraid to spend, though last year proved that spending doesn’t guarantee success. It’s also very possible their presence in the Schwarber sweepstakes is little more than an effort to nudge the Phillies into a higher bid.
Like Zolecki, Passan reaffirmed that the Phillies remain the favorite to bring Schwarber back.
Still, the Phillies have options if Schwarber signs elsewhere. High-end alternatives like Cody Bellinger, Kyle Tucker, or even Bo Bichette would represent significant pivots but each remains a path the front office could explore depending on how the Schwarber market plays out.
With the MLB Winter Meetings running from December 8-11 and the MLB Owners Meetings scheduled for December 15-18, there’s not much time left before Vegas style bidding begins. If the Phillies want to act, they may need to move fast. Momentum appears to be building, and Schwarber may be the first big chip to fall as the hot-stove season heats up.