Kyle Schwarber Expected To Decline Potential Extension With the Phillies

Kyle Schwarber has been a force at the plate for the Philadelphia Phillies since they signed him in 2022. As a member of the Phillies, Schwarber has totaled 151 home runs to the tune of a .348 on-base percentage in 529 games, becoming one the faces of the franchise. 

Now in his walk year, Schwarber is again posting dominant numbers at the plate, slashing .255/.379/.557 with 20 home runs. The thought of Schwarber hitting the free agent market has cast a shadow of uncertainty over the Phillies’ clubhouse. Bryce Harper is one teammate of Schwarber’s that made his thoughts known, stating he hopes Schwarber doesn’t enter free agency.

If it were within the Phillies’ control, that wouldn’t happen. However, it is not. The Phillies reportedly offered Schwarber an extension over the offseason, an offer Schwarber refused. According to one analyst, Schwarber won't be deprived of his chance at testing the market. When asked about it in a recent piece from Fox Sports, writer Rowan Kavner predicted that Schwarber will not sign an extension with the Phillies.

“The fit is great, and he seems to enjoy being in Philadelphia,” he wrote. “But I wonder if it might be too late now, given just how good he has been this year. Schwarber’s in the midst of the best offensive season of his career. He has been the seventh-best hitter in MLB by wRC+, he’s the only player on the team slugging over .500, and he’ll be one of the best bats on the market. I have a hard time thinking — or seeing a reason why — he would agree to sign an extension in season before testing free agency, even if he ultimately does end up back with the Phillies.”

If he hits the market, Schwarber’s free agency will be one that is closely watched. However, as a 32-year-old DH, and with the Pete Alonso free agency serving as a cautionary tale, one might assume Schwarber would have second thoughts about leaving the Phillies, even if only for an offseason. Still, if Schwarber does post the best offensive numbers of his career as Kavner points out he is currently doing, he will likely do as Kavner suggests and try to find the best price the market will give him.