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Kyle Schwarber Leaves Phillies With 56 Homers and a Tough Choice

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Kristie Ackert | Last updated Oct 9, 2025 9:54 PM ET

Highlights

Kyle Schwarber’s free agency is the Phillies’ defining offseason decision.
Zack Wheeler’s surgery leaves a hole atop the rotation to start 2026.
J.T. Realmuto, Ranger Suarez, and Harrison Bader also face uncertain futures.

After blasting 56 home runs in 2025, Kyle Schwarber was the core of the Philadelphia Phillies’ season. Now, after the Phillies were bounced from the National League Division Series by the Los Angeles Dodgers, Schwarber heads into the open market as one of the most coveted bats available. Philadelphia’s winter will be defined by whether the club builds around Schwarber or lets him walk.

Schwarber Sets the Tone

No one in the Phillies’ lineup matched Schwarber’s combination of power and presence. His 132 RBIs and .928 OPS made him one of the most dangerous bats in the league. Letting that kind of production leave would force Philadelphia to rethink its entire middle of the order.

Re-signing Schwarber won’t be cheap. At 32, he’s positioned for a multi-year deal worth north of $25 million annually, a figure that could stretch even a big-spending payroll. But for a team that has leaned on him to carry October, the cost of losing Schwarber may be higher than the cost of keeping him.

Catcher Conundrum

The second major decision comes behind the plate. J.T. Realmuto, a franchise cornerstone since 2019, is also a free agent. At 34, he remains capable of handling a pitching staff, but durability questions will factor into any new deal. The Phillies can try to bring him back on a shorter extension or pivot to Rafael Marchán and a veteran partner. Choosing not to extend Realmuto would mean parting with a trusted leader and a familiar face in the lineup.

Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Kyle Schwarber rounds the bases after hitting a three-run home run against the Washington Nationals during the seventh inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

Rotation Without Wheeler

On the mound, the Phillies will open 2026 without their ace. Zack Wheeler underwent thoracic outlet surgery in August, with a projected recovery timeline that pushes him into the first half of next season. That makes the rotation thinner than usual. Aaron Nola, Cristopher Sánchez, and trade acquisition Jesús Luzardo form the current core, but Ranger Suarez — a steady postseason performer — is headed to free agency. If Suarez departs, Philadelphia must replace both his innings and Wheeler’s lost workload. A front-line starter sits near the top of the winter shopping list.

The Outfield Puzzle

The midseason deal for Harrison Bader gave the Phillies the defensive center fielder they needed, but his $10 million mutual option for 2026 is unsettled. If both sides agree, Bader brings speed, defense, and postseason savvy back. If not, he joins Schwarber and Suarez in free agency.

Nick Castellanos remains under contract through 2026, yet his streaky offense, defensive limitations, and public clashes with manager Rob Thomson continue to draw scrutiny. Philadelphia has considered moving him before and could revisit that this offseason, even if it requires attaching salary. The larger goal remains to find a reliable two-way corner outfielder to balance the roster.

Duran Locks Down the Ninth

One area where Philadelphia no longer needs to scramble is the closer’s role. Jhoan Duran, acquired at the trade deadline, is under team control through 2027. His presence anchors the bullpen in a way the Phillies haven’t enjoyed in years. That allows the front office to focus on complementary arms and leverage options rather than chasing an expensive closer in free agency.

The Financial Reality

With Harper, Turner, Wheeler, and Nola locked into major deals, the Phillies already project north of $280 million in payroll. Adding Schwarber back to the mix, alongside possible extensions for Realmuto or Suarez, would push them even deeper into luxury-tax territory. Every choice this winter carries both roster and financial weight.

The Winter Ahead

The Phillies’ path is clear, even if the answers aren’t easy. Re-signing Schwarber keeps the heart of the lineup intact. Extending Realmuto preserves leadership but carries risk. Deciding on Suarez shapes the rotation, while Bader’s option affects the outfield defense. With Duran at the back end, the bullpen is finally stable — but the rotation and lineup remain full of questions.

For Philadelphia, this offseason is less about chasing new stars than protecting the core that keeps them in contention. Whether that core still includes Schwarber will define the direction of 2026 and beyond.

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

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