Kyle Schwarber is in the final year of his contract, and with his strong performance this season, it’s got Philadelphia Phillies fans, the organization, and even teammates like Bryce Harper questioning what the future holds for the designated hitter. Harper has been very vocal about his desire for Schwarber’s future to be with the Phillies, emphasizing that he’d like the situation resolved sooner rather than later.
“I was talking to somebody the other day,” Harper told MLB.com last week. “And I was like, ‘Man, it would be weird not to have [Schwarber] in our clubhouse.’ He’s such a good leader. He’s such a good person in the community. Great family, great person. I think he’s a guy that obviously our team can build around. Obviously, he’s going to make a lot of money [as a free agent]. He’s going to be a very hot commodity on the market. He’s a guy that hits homers. He’s a great clubhouse guy and a leader. I hope he doesn’t get [to free agency]. He’s a guy that we can use for the next few years.”
Harper lists every reason he wants Schwarber extended. From his leadership, to his presence in the community, to his ability on the field, Harper believes the slugger is a player the Phillies can build around. Frankly, he isn’t wrong.
Bryce Harper puts pressure on the Phillies to get Kyle Schwarber extension done
I understand the concerns. Schwarber, at 32, strikes out frequently, isn’t a strong defender, and isn’t known for his speed. Giving him a big extension might not seem like the most logical move at first glance. However, what Schwarber brings to the table—his power and on-base skills—makes him more than worth the investment.
The guy can flat-out hit. He’s a serious power threat and is having another standout year. As of Monday, he’s slashing .269/.404/.593, with 14 home runs and 32 RBIs in just 40 games. He might not have a high batting average, but he gets on base and hits a ton of dingers.
Schwarber’s power is undeniable. Since joining the Phillies in 2022, he leads National League hitters and is second only to Aaron Judge in home runs, with 145 bombs over the past three years. He’s averaged over 43 home runs per season, and this year, he’s on pace to break that. Sure, he might not be the most well-rounded player, but his combination of power and elite on-base ability makes him someone the Phillies absolutely can’t afford to lose.
While it’s true that a long-term extension for Schwarber might not age well, with the likelihood of a decline in the near future, the Phillies are in their prime, “win-now” window. Losing Schwarber, who’s also been a solid postseason performer with a .906 career OPS, would hurt their chances significantly.
Bryce Harper is the face of the franchise and holds a lot of influence in the organization. At this point, all Phillies fans can do is hope that Harper uses his leverage to make sure the team secures Schwarber’s future with the club.
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