Philadelphia Phillies designated hitter Kyle Schwarber is entering the final year of his contract and deserves a contract extension. Schwarber recently expressed to Sports Talk Philly’s Kyle Odegard that he wants an extension. Before the 2022 season, he signed a four-year, $79 million deal with the team. Since joining, Schwarber has been one of the Phillies’ best free-agent acquisitions, consistently meeting or exceeding expectations. Extending Schwarber might also be the best move that Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski has made since taking on the role after the 2020 season.
Kyle Schwarber Is Ready for a Contract Extension
Similar to recent extensions for Zack Wheeler and J.T. Realmuto, Kyle Schwarber’s deal will likely be finalized during spring training. Both Wheeler and Realmuto saw a substantial increase in their contracts, and Schwarber could also see a salary boost. Heading into his age-32 season, Schwarber still has many productive years left in his career. While he primarily serves as the designated hitter, his offensive performance justifies a pay increase. Additionally, Schwarber is a key leader in the Phillies’ clubhouse, making him an integral part of the team’s success.
A contract extension for Schwarber should be a top priority, as keeping him long-term strengthens their championship chances.
While the exact timing is uncertain, Schwarber’s comments suggest an extension is imminent. According to Spotrac, the Phillies currently have $176 million committed to the 2026 payroll, with Bryce Harper, Trea Turner, and Wheeler making up the bulk of that total. It’s worth noting that the Phillies didn’t add anyone under contract beyond the 2025 season this offseason, aside from trading for Jesús Luzardo. Schwarber’s salary, tied with Nick Castellanos for the sixth-highest on the team, should not pose an obstacle to a potential extension.
Performance with the Phillies
In 465 games with the Phillies, Kyle Schwarber has posted a .221/.344/.488 line, with 131 home runs and 302 RBI. He has accumulated 6.4 bWAR and a 129 OPS+ during his time in Philadelphia. For much of that period, Schwarber has served as the leadoff hitter, though his role could change in 2025. In 2022, he made the All-Star team and won a Silver Slugger Award, leading the NL with 46 home runs. Schwarber has also been exceptional in the postseason, boasting a 20.3% cWPA and a .933 OPS. Of his 21 career postseason home runs, 12 have come as a Phillie, making him one of the most prolific postseason performers in recent years. Overall, Schwarber has a 34.2% cWPA in the postseason.
Schwarber had a career year in 2024. In 150 games, he posted a .248/.366/.485 line with 38 home runs and 104 RBIs. He recorded a career-high 3.5 bWAR and a 137 OPS+ while leading the NL with 106 walks. Additionally, he struck out fewer than 200 times for the first time as a Phillie, finishing with 197 strikeouts. Schwarber also set career bests with 142 hits and 110 runs scored. He has driven in 104 RBIs in each of the past two seasons, primarily hitting in front of Trea Turner and Bryce Harper. After starting his Phillies tenure as a left fielder, Schwarber has transitioned to the designated hitter role.
Schwarber has proven himself as one of the most valuable players on the Phillies, both in the regular season and the postseason. His consistent offensive production, leadership in the clubhouse, and clutch performances on the big stage make him an essential part of the team’s future. As the Phillies continue to build towards a championship, keeping Schwarber in the fold long-term is a no-brainer.
Main Photo: © James A. Pittman-Imagn Images
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