The Philadelphia Phillies wrapped up a solid 2025 campaign, but now they’re facing a potential headache. Kyle Schwarber, their MVP runner-up, is heading into free agency, and that’s got the front office thinking about backup plans.
Kerry Miller from Bleacher Report thinks the Phillies will probably keep Schwarber around, but he’s also identified who they should target if things go sideways: Pete Alonso.
The logic makes sense. Both guys are legitimate power threats who’ve been among the most prolific home run hitters over the past four years. But Alonso brings something Schwarber doesn’t – he can actually play first base.
“How do you replace one of the four most frequent sources of home runs in all of baseball over the past four years? By signing one of the other members of that quartet, of course. If the Phillies were to sign Alonso, they could move Bryce Harper back to right field and mercifully be done with Nick Castellanos’ glove.”
That defensive flexibility is huge for Philadelphia. Moving Harper back to the outfield would solve multiple problems at once, especially if they’re looking to move on from Castellanos and his defensive struggles.
Alonso’s 2025 numbers tell the story of a guy who’s ready to anchor someone’s lineup. He slashed .272/.347/.524 with 38 home runs and 126 RBI across 162 games. Those 41 doubles show he’s not just a three-true-outcomes hitter either.
The way I see it, Alonso would be more than just a replacement – he’d be a sidegrade with added defensive value. His RBI production matches what Schwarber brings, but you’re getting a legitimate first baseman instead of a DH.
All things considered, the Phillies’ first priority should be keeping their core intact. Schwarber’s been a key piece of their success, and continuity matters. But if the price gets too high or another team swoops in, having someone like Alonso available makes the sting a lot less painful.
The Mets’ pending free agent would certainly solve Philadelphia’s power concerns while giving them roster flexibility they don’t currently have. It’s the kind of move that could end up being addition by subtraction if it forces some other defensive changes.
