Kyle Ross-Imagn Images

Phillies' Kyle Schwarber Expected to be Pursued by Braves, Per Insider

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jon Conahan | Last updated May 24, 2025 7:15 PM ET

The Philadelphia Phillies have a major Kyle Schwarber decision to make soon. With the left-handed slugger hitting free agency, it'd be tough to see him go.

Schwarber has been excellent this season, too, already hitting a ridiculous 17 home runs. He currently leads Major League Baseball with those 17 home runs, and is walking at an above-average rate, too. There have been times throughout Schwarber’s career when he gets on base at a high level because of his walks, including 106 last season, which led the National League.

Despite all the good he's done in a Phillies jersey, some believe this relationship could end. That includes Jim Bowden of The Athletic , who noted that the Phillies want to re-sign him, but the Atlanta Braves could use him if they lose Marcell Ozuna in free agency.

“Schwarber is arguably the best teammate in the game, reaches base at a 39 percent clip and is always in the hunt for the home run crown. He’s a player most teams will covet if they have an opening or flexibility at the DH spot. The Phillies want to retain Schwarber and are prepared to give him a long-term contract at the appropriate time.

"However, several other teams would love to have him, including the Braves (if they lose Marcell Ozuna in free agency), Reds (who could use his power and leadership), Padres (he’d be a great fit in their clubhouse) and AL Central teams like the Tigers, Royals and Guardians who all need more power,” he wrote.

Losing Schwarber would be a disaster for the Phillies, unless they found a way to sign someone like Kyle Tucker. If that's a plan, it's the right one. However, if not, and they let him walk for nothing, it'd be tough to justify.

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

More must-reads: