Kyle Schwarber Announcement Made Before 2026 MLB Season

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Gavin Groe | Last updated Jan 22, 2026 11:32 AM ET

The Philadelphia Phillies secured their most impactful hitter earlier this winter, signing left-handed slugger Kyle Schwarber to a five-year, $150 million contract.

The front office recognized the roster would take a significant hit without Schwarber and prioritized keeping him in Philadelphia for the long term.

In 2025, the 32-year-old veteran delivered an outstanding season, finishing as the runner-up in National League MVP voting and earning his third career All-Star selection.

Although the Phillies suffered another early postseason exit in the NLDS, the club likely would not have won the NL East without Schwarber’s consistent offensive production.

Across 162 games, Schwarber posted a .240 batting average, .365 on-base percentage and .928 OPS. He crushed 56 home runs to lead the National League and drove in 132 RBIs, the highest total in all of MLB.

Philadelphia Phillies designated hitter Kyle Schwarber.Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images

As Schwarber prepares for his 12th big league season this spring, his stock has risen significantly along with his standing among the league’s elite.

Each year, MLB Network announces its Top 100 Players Right Now list, and Schwarber entered last season ranked 65th, a respectable placement though his 2025 performance clearly exceeded that value.

On this year’s edition, Schwarber made one of the most dramatic leaps, climbing 48 spots to land at No. 17.

MLB highlighted Schwarber's spot on the list in an announcement on Instagram, underscoring how his incredible season has solidified him as one of the best hitters in baseball today.

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Schwarber’s journey to this point has been anything but linear. Drafted fourth overall by the Chicago Cubs in 2014, he debuted in 2016 and quickly became known for his left-handed power, helping Chicago capture its first World Series title in over a century.

After brief stints with the Washington Nationals and Boston Red Sox, Schwarber finally found the right fit in Philadelphia. It was with the Phillies that his career truly took off, and the organization’s commitment to him reflects how smart he was to make his home there.

His presence now shapes the way the Phillies build their lineup. Schwarber’s ability to anchor the middle of the order forces opposing managers to adjust their pitching plans, while his patience at the plate sets the tone for the offense.

Beyond the numbers, Schwarber’s veteran leadership has become invaluable. His teammates look to him for guidance, and his consistency provides stability for a team still chasing its first championship since 2008.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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