Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

Phillies Facing Decision After $100 Million Kyle Schwarber Prediction

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Chris M. Licata | Last updated May 6, 2025 5:31 PM ET

Philadelphia Phillies slugger Kyle Schwarber has picked up where he left off over his last three seasons: On pace for at least 38 home runs.

Through 34 games, the two-time All-Star designated hitter has cracked a National League-leading 11 home runs. That 162-game pace would see him hit a new career high of 52 homers.

As the Phillies (19-15) appear set for a fourth consecutive postseason run, lurking in the shadows is the future of Schwarber, who is in the final season of a four-year, $79 million deal.

The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal previously reported that Philadelphia offered the 32-year-old a contract extension last winter but "talks failed to advance." There has been no meaningful progress since then either, at least not publicly.

As the 2025 season progresses, the decision for the front office remains: Do they bring back Schwarber at top dollar or try to replace his contributions after four highly productive years?

Adding to the equation, ESPN MLB insider Jeff Passan has predicted a $100 million payday in Schwarber's future. Whether it's in Philly or elsewhere.

"A designated hitter who's going to be 33 next Opening Day getting a nine-figure deal?" Passan wrote.

"Schwarber is an outlier in so many other respects, so why not here, too? He is terminally productive. He is an exceptional clubhouse leader. Nobody would blink at giving him $25 million a year, and a four-year ask -- particularly in a class weak on high-end bats -- is eminently reasonable."

Schwarber's current $19.75 average annual value (AAV) is already second among all MLB designated hitters, trailing only Shohei Ohtani's $70 million outlier AAV.

According to Spotrac, the Phillies currently boast the majors' highest active 26-man payroll at $281.2 million. They also rank eighth ($176.3 million) looking ahead to 2026 with Schwarber, JT Realmuto and Ranger Suarez, among others, set to come off the books.

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

More must-reads: