The **Philadelphia Phillies** clinched the National League East on Monday night, with **Kyle Schwarber** doing what he’s done all year — launching a first-inning homer to set the tone in their win over the Dodgers.
Now comes the big question: can they keep him?
Schwarber’s been the engine of this Phillies offense and a cornerstone of their four straight postseason runs. The 32-year-old **designated hitter** is heading into free agency this winter, and there’s been plenty of chatter about whether Philadelphia can afford to keep their clubhouse leader and **MLB RBI leader**.
According to Ken Rosenthal at The Athletic, the expectation around baseball is clear: **”The expectation is that designated hitter Kyle Schwarber will remain with the Philadelphia Phillies.”**
That’s encouraging news for Phillies fans who’ve watched Schwarber become the face of this franchise.
The Numbers Tell the Story
Schwarber’s having a monster contract year. He’s sitting at **53 home runs** — second only to Cal Raleigh — and leads all of baseball with **128 RBIs**. His **.943 OPS** puts him among the elite power hitters in the game.
Since joining Philadelphia on a four-year, $79 million deal before the 2022 season, he’s been everything they hoped for and more. Over those four years, Schwarber’s launched **184 home runs** with an **.859 OPS**.
Those numbers explain why his next contract is expected to reach unprecedented territory for a full-time DH.
What It’ll Cost
The consensus seems to be pointing toward something in the neighborhood of four years at $30 million annually — roughly **$120 million total**. That’s a significant jump from his current deal, but it reflects both his production and the premium teams place on proven postseason performers.
For a franchise that’s been knocking on the door for years, keeping Schwarber isn’t just about the numbers. He’s the kind of clubhouse presence you build around, especially when you’re this close to breaking through.
The way I see it, Philadelphia knows what they have. Schwarber’s timing, leadership, and track record in big moments make this decision pretty straightforward, even at that price point.
All things considered, Rosenthal’s intel suggests the Phillies aren’t planning to let their slugger walk, despite what figures to be a competitive market. That’s probably smart — finding another hitter who can deliver 50+ homers while anchoring your lineup in October isn’t exactly easy.
