3 best spots for Phillies’ Kyle Schwarber in upcoming free agency

The Philadelphia Phillies have dethroned the New York Mets from the top spot in the National League East despite a mixed start to the 2025 season.

Veteran All-Star slugger Kyle Schwarber has been the catalyst behind their surge over the last few weeks. Schwarber has 24 home runs, the most by a Phillies hitter, with former MVP Bryce Harper at a distant second with nine.

However, the 32-year-old is in the final year of his four-year deal signed with the team in 2022.

Schwarber turned down a contract extension during spring training and is expected to walk into free agency. With the veteran slugger on pace for career-best numbers this season, several teams could use his power-hitting ability.

Here are three suitable landing slots for Kyle Schwarber in free agency:

#1 Atlanta Braves

The Atlanta Braves have not looked like a playoff contender this season, despite the National League East team finding some form in June. The offense has looked sluggish with 2023 NL MVP Ronald Acuna Jr. doing much of the power-hitting since his return from injury.

The Braves' offense could use someone like Kyle Schwarber in the lineup, especially if designated hitter Marcell Ozuna walks into free agency at the end of the 2025 season.

#2 Kansas City Royals

The Kansas City Royals have been linked with Kyle Schwarber after the veteran slugger denied an extension with the Phillies. The Royals lack offensive firepower to back their pitching staff.

While Bobby Witt Jr. leads the lines for the Royals, Kyle Schwarber could provide reliable production, taking the pressure off the superstar shortstop and veteran catcher Salvador Perez.

#3 Philadelphia Phillies

Although Kyle Schwarber turned down an extension from the Phillies earlier this year, the 32-year-old could return to the team he has represented for the last four years.

Schwarber, who signed a $79 million contract over four years with the Phillies in March 2022, is looking for a long-term deal, potentially his last MLB contract. According to reports, the Phillies front office is willing to offer a long-term contract, especially with the designated hitter on pace for a career year.

About the author

Chaitanya Prakash is an editor who covers US Sports at Sportskeeda. His first brush with sportswriting was in 2012 when the greatest football manager of all time, Sir Alex Ferguson, bid farewell to the beautiful game.

Although having started out professionally as a cricket writer in 2022, Chaitanya's curiosity and indiscriminate interest in all sports in general eventually introduced him to America's favorite pastime.

While Chaitanya's favorite player from the current crop is the dynamic Venezuelan Ronald Acuna Jr., his all-time favorite, however, is Pedro Martinez, for his self-belief and consistency. He also rates Jose Bautista's iconic bat flip in 2015 as his favorite moment in baseball history.

Chaitanya specializes in reporting on technical aspects of the game or analyzing patterns behind specific plays. He also likes pondering over players' self-assessments following the conclusion of a game as it helps him get an idea of how they think about the sport in general.

When not cheering for his favorites across sports, Chaitanya likes being transported to the past through a good war documentary or a historical documentary in general.

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Edited by Chaitanya Prakash