Kyle Schwarber Facing Career Decision Away From Phillies

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Kyle Schwarber Facing Career Decision Away From Phillies

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Tate Mosher | Last updated Jul 6, 2026 1:57 PM ET

The Philadelphia Phillies have turned it around after a terrible start to the 2026 MLB season. After a 9-19 slump to begin the year, they are now 50-40, only three games back of the first-place Atlanta Braves in the National League East.

The Phillies have largely run back the same lineup and pitching staff as in previous years. During the offseason, they managed to re-sign designated hitter Kyle Schwarber to a 5-year, $150 million contract.

The deal has paid dividends so far. The DH has appeared in 86 of the team’s 90 games, slashing .254/.370/.567 for a .937 OPS. He leads MLB with 30 home runs and has 55 RBIs.

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After turning in the best season of his now 12-year career in 2025, Schwarber is following it up by posting practically the same numbers. His presence in the lineup has been extremely valuable to Philadelphia as they climb back in the division race.

Schwarber could very well set a career-high in home runs this year. To do so he would have to edge out his 2025 value of 56. He is roughly on pace to do so a little bit over halfway through the year now.

Coming up on the All-Star Break, the 33-year-old is a popular candidate to compete in the Home Run Derby. He has entered the field twice, in 2018 with the Chicago Cubs and 2022 in his first year with the Phillies.

A week out from the event, reports have indicated that Schwarber is interested. John Clark of NBC Sports Philadelphia said Monday that the DH will participate granted his back is feeling good.

Kyle Schwarber is expected to participate in the Home Run Derby one week from tonight at CBP. He told Sports illustrated he would do it as long as his back is feeling OK. Kyle has been named to the All-Star game along with four other Phillies players. Kyle won the swing off last… pic.twitter.com/Mrh0cwyJ3Z
— John Clark (@JClarkNBCS) July 6, 2026

So far, only the Tampa Bay Rays ’ Junior Caminero has officially opted into the Derby. If Schwarber were to join him, that would be quite the start for participants. They have a combined 56 home runs this year.

Schwarber’s participation is especially intriguing due to how hard he can hit the ball in regular games. Of his 30 home runs this season, 15 had an exit velocity over 105 MPH.

In all likelihood Schwarber will participate in the Home Run Derby, which will take place at his home stadium Citizens Bank Park. The back injury that he mentioned has not caused him to miss a game since June 23 against the Washington Nationals.

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

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