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MLB Makes Kyle Schwarber Announcement After 5th Phillies Season
Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

MLB Makes Kyle Schwarber Announcement After 5th Phillies Season

Originally posted on Athlon Sports  |  By Gavin Groe  |  Last updated Oct 5, 2026 5:27 PM ET
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The Philadelphia Phillies suffered another early playoff exit this postseason, dropping a wild card series against the Atlanta Braves. They battled hard all year long, but they have continued to falter in October.

The core is beginning to get up there in age, and designated hitter Kyle Schwarber is one of those players who may be slowing down. He did have a strong season and playoff series, collecting four hits in 11 at-bats against the Braves including a home run.

But in the second half he hit just .199 with a .336 on-base percentage, .751 OPS, 13 home runs and 38 RBIs in 63 games. He was still productive, but next year will mark his age-34 season where hitters tend to decline, and the second half could be a sign of what’s to come.


Philadelphia Phillies designated hitter Kyle Schwarber (12) Kyle Ross-Imagn Images

Still, Schwarber’s overall season was one of the best in the league, and on Monday MLB officially released the nominees for the Hank Aaron Award with Schwarber included among the 10 candidates.

The Hank Aaron Award is an annual honor given to the best offensive player in the American League and National League.

Given Schwarber is a designated hitter, it makes sense why he would be a strong candidate for the award since that is where he provides the most value. He was the only player selected from the Phillies, as first baseman Bryce Harper narrowly missed out.

Schwarber has been nominated before. He was a candidate last year but lost out to Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani. Last year may have been his best chance to win it given he also finished second in NL MVP voting, again losing to Ohtani.

For a team that once again fell short in October, the Hank Aaron Award nomination is a silver lining in what was ultimately another disappointing postseason.

Individual recognition is nice, but for Schwarber and the Phillies, another early exit is what will define this year long after the awards are handed out.

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

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