The Philadelphia Phillies have established a strong lead in the NL East, largely due to their experienced core of veteran players. However, one power hitter has managed to shine above the rest.
Designated hitter Kyle Schwarber, now in the final year of his contract with the Phillies, is delivering the best performance of his career and putting himself in serious MVP contention. While overtaking Shohei Ohtani for the award might be a long shot, Schwarber is undoubtedly boosting his value for a major contract in the near future.
Phillies fans are hopeful that his next deal will keep him in Philadelphia, but there’s a real chance he could sign elsewhere—especially as his market value keeps climbing. ESPN MLB insider Jeff Passan has floated the idea that the Phillies might turn their attention to Chicago Cubs star Kyle Tucker as a potential replacement.
“The Philadelphia Phillies could desperately use a big corner outfield bat, particularly if (Schwarber) takes his talents elsewhere,” Passan wrote, listing the Phillies, Giants and Cubs as suitors that will be “in the mix” for Tucker. “The market will find Tucker, as it eventually does with the best players in every class.”
The addition of Tucker would certainly fill one of the Phillies’ most persistent roster gaps by bringing in a clear cut-starter to the mix in the outfield. But it would be an expensive upgrade, even if Schwarber’s salary is off the books.
“So, yeah, the number is going to be big — likely in the $400 million range,” Passan projected for Tucker’s next contract.
Still, Tucker might be the only potential free agent on the market who could offer some consolation to fans if the Phillies end up losing Schwarber.
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