Phillies To Sign Star Slugger Kyle Schwarber: Reports

PHILADELPHIA, PA — The Phillies made their long-awaited big move in free agency on Wednesday, as they signed hard-hitting slugger Kyle Schwarber to a four-year, $79 million contract, according to multiple reports.

The Athletic's Jayson Stark first reported the deal for the 29-year-old, which was also confirmed by NBC Sports Philadelphia's Jim Salisbury.

A long time Chicago Cub and 2016 World Series champion, Schwarber re-emerged as one of baseball's pre-eminent hitters in 2021, hitting 32 home runs in just 471 plate appearances. That came along with an elite .928 OPS between time with the Washington Nationals and Boston Red Sox. His torrid first half, which included a historic stretch where he hit 16 home runs in 18 games in June, earned him his first career All Star nod.

The move gives the Phillies a much needed corner outfield piece after they declined Andrew McCutchen's $15 million option in favor of a $3 million buyout. Their outfield corps was arguably their biggest need heading into the offseason, along with yet another retooling of their bullpen. The Phillies also resigned Odubel Herrera to a one year deal last week, meaning that they'll likely enter Opening Day with Schwarber in left field, Herrera in center, and reigning NL MVP Bryce Harper in right.

Schwarber, who came up through the minors as a catcher, doesn't get rave reviews for his glove work in left field, but his defense has improved in recent years. Notably, he's also an option for designated hitter, a position he will likely share in rotation with J.T. Realmuto, Rhys Hoskins, and Harper.

Of course, all this is assuming the Phillies don't intend to make another major splash and add a name like Kris Bryant or Nick Castellanos, the two best hitters remaining on the market, both of whom could play left field while Schwarber takes over regular DH duties. Rumors have linked the Phillies to both players since the offseason began.

The four-year deal makes Schwarber a part of the prime-years Phillies core, as he joins Realmuto, Harper, Aaron Nola, and Zack Wheeler as players signed for at least the next three years.

Schwarber will reunite with Kevin Long, the Phillies new hitting coach, who was the Nationals hitting coach during Schwarber's breakout last year.

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