For the first time since the 2016-17 offseason, the Philadelphia Phillies have avoided signing any free agents to multi-year contracts. Instead, they added outfielder Max Kepler and pitchers Jordan Romano and Joe Ross on one-year deals.
According to FanGraphs, the team’s projected luxury tax payroll for 2025 has already reached $307.5 million, surpassing the highest tax threshold of $301 million and triggering a 110% penalty on every dollar spent beyond that limit. Several major contracts will come off the books after the 2025 season, including Kyle Schwarber’s $79 million deal and J.T. Realmuto’s $115.5 million contract.
Both players remain among the best at their positions, with Schwarber recognized as one of baseball’s premier designated hitters and leadoff hitters, while Realmuto continues to be one of the top catchers in the game. Now, one of these key stars has made it clear that he is eager to stay with the team beyond 2025.
In an interview with Sports Talk Philly, Kyle Schwarber, entering the final year of his four-year contract, expressed interest in signing an extension with the Phillies.
“I haven’t reported to Spring Training yet, but I’m definitely interested,” Schwarber said. “We’ll see if the team feels the same way, and we’ll go from there.”
Schwarber has been a key contributor for Philadelphia, delivering strong performances over his first three seasons. During that span, he has posted an .832 OPS, 129 OPS+, 131 home runs, 318 walks, 318 runs scored, and a 6.4 bWAR. His presence has also coincided with sustained team success, as the Phillies have reached the postseason each year since his arrival, including a World Series appearance in 2022.
“I’ve really loved my time here,” Schwarber told Sports Talk Philly. “I spent several years with the Cubs, then had that one-year deal with Boston. But here, it truly feels like home. I’d love to stay as long as possible and hopefully win multiple World Series along the way.”
Given Schwarber’s leadership and consistent production, it would be surprising if the Phillies don’t engage in extension talks during Spring Training. He has become a cornerstone of the franchise, both on and off the field.
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