The Phillies and Kyle Schwarber have had “broad” discussions about a contract extension this spring, writes Matt Gelb of The Athletic. Schwarber had told reporters a couple weeks ago that he was open to conversations. The slugger indicated at the time that he was unaware of any ongoing negotiations. It now seems they’ve opened talks, but Gelb writes there’s no indication of an imminent deal.
Schwarber is entering the final season of his four-year free agent deal. The $79MM investment has paid off handsomely for the Phillies. He has hit .221/.344/.488 with 131 homers in a little more than 2000 plate appearances. Only Aaron Judge and Shohei Ohtani have hit more home runs over the last three seasons.
The two-time All-Star has one of the sport’s most extreme offensive approaches. He draws tons of walks with huge power while striking out in almost 30% of his trips to the plate. While it’s an unconventional profile for a leadoff hitter, Schwarber has been an impact presence at the top of the lineup.
Philadelphia would clearly take a hit to their offense if they let Schwarber walk. The question is what kind of investment they’re willing to make to retain a bat-first player into his mid-30s. Schwarber turns 32 next week. An extension would cover his age-33 seasons and beyond. He started five games in left field last season. Retaining him would probably force the Phillies to keep Nick Castellanos in right field for 2026, the final season of his less successful five-year contact. Castellanos could otherwise move to DH next season.
Schwarber is taking some first base reps in camp this year. He could step in for Bryce Harper on occasion throughout the season, which would be his first action there since he logged 75 innings for the Red Sox in 2021. He’s likely to continue getting a few scattered starts in left. He’s not quite an exclusive designated hitter, but the majority of his work will come as a DH. He’s a well below-average defender in left field.
The Phils will pay Schwarber $20MM for the upcoming season. He’d be eligible for a qualifying offer next winter. He’d be a very likely QO recipient if he has a typical year. That’d entitle the Phillies to 2026 draft compensation if he walks, but it’d be a pick after the fourth round because of their luxury tax status. That’s of modest value to a team that’s squarely in win-now mode.
Another four-year deal would be a tough sell at Schwarber’s age. Corner bats and/or designated hitters have recently been held to three years on contracts starting at 33 and above. That can come at a solid annual value. Teoscar Hernández received a deferred $66MM guarantee to re-sign with the Dodgers on a three-year deal.
While Hernández is a year younger than Schwarber will be next offseason, the Phils’ slugger is younger than Christian Walker and José Abreu were when they landed three-year free agent deals. They brought more to the table defensively (especially Walker), but none played a premium position. Schwarber’s offensive consistency puts him above the likes of Jorge Soler and Mitch Haniger, each of whom landed a bit north of $40MM on three-year deals at age 32.
Even if Schwarber is limited to three years, his next contract should come with a higher annual value than the $19.75MM average on his current deal. The Phillies already have six players on deals that’ll pay at least $18MM in 2026. Zack Wheeler is making $42MM annually through ’27. Harper, Trea Turner, and Aaron Nola are on significant contracts running into the 2030s. The Phils face potential free agent departures of Ranger Suárez and J.T. Realmuto after this season. They’ve reportedly shown some interest in a Realmuto extension as well.
Philadelphia’s competitive balance tax payroll this year is close to $308MM, according to RosterResource. That puts them in the highest penalization tier. They’ve paid the tax in three straight seasons, so they’re facing the top level of repeat penalties. Their 2026 tax estimate drops to $185MM, but that doesn’t account for arbitration raises for the likes of Alec Bohm, Jesús Luzardo, Bryson Stott and Brandon Marsh.
2 years at $22 million per or Phillies need to say thanks but no thanks
Are broad talks “I would like an extension” and response is “Cool”
The real story is about how his contract fits within the larger landscape of roster optimization, financial flexibility, and future trade leverage.
Don’t give multi-year deals to DHs
He’s young enough where a 2-3 year deal wouldn’t kill them even if it didn’t work out. His power is still there and his plate discipline is elite.
::::Alas. A perfect example of how the CBT tax screws the somewhat decent player so the superstars get their decade contracts and the benchwarmers claim their spots out of options::::
“CBT tax screws the somewhat decent”…Blame the Scott Boras led MLBPA. They’re fine with the top 1% getting 75%(Soto, Burnes, Fried) of the pie and everyone else fighting to get that last peace of pie.
Just remember these rules are the rules that Scott Boras and his flunkies and gofers in the MLBPA “labor union” AGREED to.
I remember when hitting .221 got them benched or traded.
Ah, I knew someone would come along and post a dumb comment about his batting average. His OBP is. 344, which is why he is leading off. And scoring and driving in over 100 runs per year.
“Dumb comment”…I guess you showed him how superior(and condescending)you are.
The Phillies have the least payroll flexibility in the game among “big market” clubs. Harper, Turner, Nola and to a lesser degree Wheeler have many high AAV years left. Their ownership is not as wealthy as the Dodgers or Mets. With Painter, Crawford and Miller on the verge of helping, they should reset just under the top penalty tier next year, even if that means losing Schwarber and Realmuto. They’ll still compete.