Chicago Cubs should be able to afford reunion with Kyle Schwarber

Jim Bowden of The Athletic released his contract projections for the top 50 players set to be free agents. At number two is Kyle Schwarber. Bowden projects that Schwarber will get five years at $160M, listing the Philadelphia Phillies, New York Mets and Detroit Tigers as the best fits.

Here is what Bowden said about Schwarber:

In addition to being one of the premier power hitters in the game, Schwarber is highly valued around the league for his clubhouse presence. Although he’s basically limited to the DH position, Schwarber offers consistency — he hit 56 home runs this year and has hit 40 homers or more in three of the last four years — and also durability, having played in 150 or more games each of the last four years, including 162 this year. Every team except the Dodgers and Yankees should want him to be its DH. Although the Phillies will make every effort to re-sign him, it will be fascinating to see what offers Schwarber gets on the open market for his special power bat and ability to mentor younger players.

Schwarber has hit home runs like a machine the past few years. In 2025, he had a career year with 56 home runs, the second-most in all of baseball. He did hit .240 which does lower his value a little.

But for the Cubs, having the DH spot is a bonus now. Schwarber could slot right in there and provide a power left-handed bat for that lineup.

Where does Kyle Tucker’s contract project to land?

Tucker ranked number one on Bowden’s list. Experts project him to get 10 years, $427 million, with the Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Yankees, Mets, Phillies, and San Francisco Giants as the top suitors for him. It’s becoming more and more clear that the Cubs will likely lose Tucker.

With that situation likely playing out, the Cubs may have to get creative with what they can do in free agency. And that may not be the best thing to hear right now for the fan base.