Bryce Harper, the long-time face of the Philadelphia Phillies, has fully supported Kyle Schwarber’s growing role as a key leader in the clubhouse. As Schwarber enters the final year of his contract, the team faces a crucial decision: re-sign him or let him go. Within the clubhouse, Harper has made it clear that he hopes Schwarber will remain with the Phillies long-term.
Although Schwarber initially joined the team as a free agent, his presence in the organization feels like he’s been a part of it for much longer. Over time, he has evolved into a more well-rounded hitter, not just a slugger in a powerful Phillies lineup. According to MLB’s Henry Palattella, Schwarber has become widely respected as one of the team’s most influential leaders.
Bryce Harper drops truth bomb about why Kyle Schwarber needs to retire as a Phillie
Phillies fans and the media often turn to Bryce Harper for his take on the team’s roster, seeking insight into the overall vibe in the clubhouse. As MLB.com’s Todd Zolecki points out, it’s clear that Harper is fully behind keeping Schwarber on the team.
“I was talking to somebody the other day,” Harper said, per Zolecki. “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.”
As a leader, Kyle Schwarber consistently prioritizes being an outstanding teammate. He recently took the time to help outfielder Brandon Marsh navigate a rough patch at the plate in April. Schwarber also played a key role in helping Marsh settle in when he was traded to Philadelphia in 2022.
In addition to his impressive power at the plate, Schwarber is deeply involved in the Philadelphia community. He actively supports various teammates’ charitable efforts, as well as his own initiative, Schwarber’s Neighborhood Heroes. This fund provides resources and special attention to first responders in the area.
Second baseman Bryson Stott also shared his thoughts on Schwarber during a recent Sunday Night Baseball broadcast.
“He’s a fantastic leader, fantastic person,” Stott said while mic’d up. “He treats everyone with respect, he’s an amazing human.”
Kyle Schwarber is a rare talent, and the Phillies are fortunate to have him on their roster. The fans adore him, the ownership appreciates him, and, above all, his teammates look up to him as a leader. While there’s no definitive way to define the “perfect” teammate in MLB, Schwarber is certainly giving it his all, both in leadership and performance. And of course, it doesn’t hurt that he plays like one of the top players in the league.
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