MLB Trade Rumors: Philadelphia Phillies Are Making a Mistake by Not Extending Kyle Schwarber
What exactly are the Phillies doing?
Before the season even began, it seemed obvious: the Philadelphia Phillies should have extended Kyle Schwarber. So far, there's been no indication that talks are even on the table — and that might end up being a costly mistake.
Why Kyle Schwarber Deserves an Extension
Schwarber, now 32, remains one of baseball’s most feared power hitters. He’s a perfect fit at the top of the lineup against right-handed pitching, combining plate discipline with elite slugging ability. He gets on base, sets the tone early, and brings veteran leadership to the clubhouse. Most importantly, he’s thriving in a city — and under a hitting coach in Kevin Long — where he's clearly found his groove.
In 25 games this season, Schwarber is slashing .258/.411/.528 with 7 home runs, 16 RBIs, and a .939 OPS. That’s right in line with what he’s done throughout his four-year stint in Philadelphia, where he’s hit between 38 and 47 home runs every season while playing in at least 150 games annually.
So what’s the holdup?
The Missed Opportunity
Schwarber is set to hit free agency after the 2025 season, and there's been no public indication that extension talks are underway. That’s puzzling considering how much value he's provided on a four-year, $79 million deal. Even more puzzling is the fact that Schwarber likely wouldn’t break the bank on a new deal — something in the range of Teoscar Hernández’s three-year, $66 million contract seems realistic, and Schwarber might even take less to stay in Philly.
He’s made it known: he loves playing in Philadelphia. So why not get ahead of the market and lock him in now?
What's Next?
In-season negotiations are always a possibility, but they're rare and risky. Teams tend to avoid them because they can be a distraction — for both the player and the organization. So the most likely outcome is that Schwarber reaches free agency, and the Phillies are suddenly competing with every contender for his services.
Schwarber is exactly the kind of player teams crave in October — a power bat, a clubhouse leader, and a proven postseason performer. If he hits the open market, expect a bidding war.
A reunion with the Phillies isn’t out of the question, but it’s hard to ignore this simple fact: Philadelphia had a chance to avoid all of this by taking care of it in the spring. By waiting, they may have opened the door to losing one of their most valuable players.
Let me know if you'd like a breakdown of possible landing spots for Schwarber, or a mock extension proposal!
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