The Philadelphia Phillies are seemingly the top landing spot in the free agency sweepstakes for superstar slugger Kyle Schwarber. Schwarber is projected to sign a monster $160 million deal this offseason, per Jim Bowden of The Athletic.
The Cincinnati Reds are reportedly making a serious push for Schwarber. They’re not the favorites in the sweepstakes, but it seems like there’s mutual interest from both sides.
Still, FanSided’s Mark Powell recently predicted the Phillies would re-sign Schwarber in free agency, likely to a massive contract.
“When it comes to the top of the free-agent market, Kyle Schwarber is moving fast. Schwarber has every reason to sign soon, as he is the only player available who hit 50 home runs last season and is primarily a DH,” Powell wrote. “The longer Schwarber waits, the more his value could decrease – and that’ll never be more evident than at the Winter Meetings.
“Schwarber is favored to remain with the Philadelphia Phillies, as he is beloved at Citizens Bank Park. His power plays well there, and the Phillies want to keep him around. However, the longer he waits, the more he and his agency risks the Phillies pursuing a backup plan. No one should want that.”
Schwarber is likely headed for a massive contract. The Reds don’t typically give out contracts worth over $150 million, especially to an aging designated hitter.
The Phillies have more money to spend, and they have the connection with Schwarber already. It would be shocking to see Schwarber sign with the Reds over the Phillies.
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