The 2025 Major League Baseball season hasn’t even begun—spring training is still a week away—but many are already looking ahead to major decisions looming for the Philadelphia Phillies.
One of the biggest storylines is the future of designated hitter Kyle Schwarber, who is set to hit free agency next offseason. As he approaches his 32nd birthday before Opening Day, Schwarber remains a valuable asset thanks to his elite power and keen eye at the plate, despite being limited to a DH role.
Former Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. recently discussed Schwarber’s situation on The Phillies Show podcast, emphasizing that while the team would love to keep him, contract length and luxury tax implications will play a significant role in negotiations.
“I think it’s a wait-and-see,” Amaro said. “I’d love to sign the guy, and if they can get it done at a reasonable number, I think they’ll consider it. But the concern would be the length of the contract and how it impacts their overall budget under the luxury tax.”
Schwarber is expected to command a raise from his current $20 million annual salary ($19.75 million for luxury tax purposes), according to Phillies Nation’s Destiny Lugardo. That demand is justified—he’s the team’s reigning home run leader with 131 homers in 465 games and has posted an .832 OPS over three seasons in Philadelphia. Beyond his numbers, he’s also a respected veteran leader in the clubhouse.
With all signs pointing to the Phillies wanting to retain him, the challenge is finding a contract structure that works. Amaro suggested that a short-term deal could be the best route.
“I have to believe they’d seriously consider keeping Kyle,” Amaro said. “He means so much to the team, but it has to be a deal that maximizes his contributions. Since he’s strictly a DH now and not playing the outfield, it makes it tricky.”
So what might an extension look like?
Amaro suggested that if Schwarber is truly committed to staying in Philadelphia, a contract similar to Zack Wheeler’s three-year, $126 million extension could be an option.
“It’ll be tough, and a lot depends on how much Kyle wants to stay,” Amaro noted. “If they can work out something like a three-year deal, maybe that makes sense. Otherwise, they might just wait and see how things play out after the season.”
Lugardo has also pointed to Joc Pederson’s two-year, $37 million contract as a possible baseline for Schwarber’s next deal, though Schwarber would likely command a higher annual salary. She suggests a two-year, $50 million contract with a club option for 2028 as a potential framework.
Like many Phillies fans, all eyes will be on training camp next week, hoping to hear team president Dave Dombrowski mention that contract talks for Schwarber are underway.
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