It is no surprise that Philadelphia Phillies designated hitter Kyle Schwarber will be one of the hottest commodities on the free agency market this offseason.
Not always is a slugger who can mash 50-plus home runs in a season available on the open market, and nearly every team that wants more power in its lineup will be targeting the 32-year-old. Schwarber has taken his career to a whole new level since joining the Phillies back in 2022, hitting no fewer than 38 home runs in a season in his time with the Phillies.
After a season where he set career highs with 56 home runs and 132 RBIs, Schwarber is set to make bank this offseason and sign a lucrative long-term deal. Though the Phillies want to retain the veteran slugger, they are also preparing for a reality without Schwarber by extending him a one-year, $22 million qualifying offer, according to MLB.com’s Todd Zolecki.
“The Phillies on Thursday made one-year, $22.025 million qualifying offers to free agents Kyle Schwarber and Ranger Suárez,” Zolecki reported. “Neither came as a surprise. Neither Schwarber or Suárez are expected to accept it. First, both are likely to sign lucrative, multiyear contracts in the coming weeks and months. Schwarber and Suárez have until 4 p.m. ET on Nov. 18 to accept their offers. If they reject them and sign with other teams, the Phillies will receive compensation picks after the fourth round of the 2026 Draft.
“Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski said last month that he would like to bring back Schwarber, Suárez, J.T. Realmuto and center fielder Harrison Bader, although Schwarber and Realmuto are believed to be the top priorities. Schwarber will have no shortage of suitors as one of baseball’s best sluggers, but the Phillies have signaled every intention of doing whatever it takes to bring him back.”
By giving Schwarber the qualifying offer, the Phillies are ensuring that they won’t lose the talented All-Star for nothing. With Schwarber projected to receive a four-year contract worth roughly $128 million, Philadelphia is making preparations in case the team is outbid. The Phillies’ qualifying offer guarantees that the team will receive compensation in the scenario that Schwarber signs elsewhere.
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