It’s possible that Kyle Schwarber will earn a huge salary as he swings his way into history. When his current deal expires at the end of this season, the Philadelphia Phillies must decide whether to lock up one of their most important players now or wait until the offseason.
Bryce Harper says the answer is clear.
“I don’t see him playing anywhere else. Obviously I don’t make those decisions, but as a team leader and captain and everything else, he brings so much value to our team, not even on the field but off the field as well,” Harper told The Inquirer.
Kyle Schwarber is setting himself up well for free agency. Bryce Harper recently told The Inquirer that he hopes the DH never gets the chance to leave.
“He brings so much value to our team.” pic.twitter.com/oJv1vreTGM
— Philadelphia Inquirer Sports (@phillysport) May 29, 2025
And it’s hard to disagree. Schwarber is in the middle of yet another monster season; through 54 games, he’s crushed 19 home runs, tied for third in all of baseball, with 41 RBIs and a .963 OPS, ranking seventh among all players.
Another Strong Season, More than Just a Hitter
Despite a modest batting average (.252), Schwarber’s ability to drive in runs and change games with one swing continues to prove invaluable. However, this goes beyond simple statistics.
Schwarber has assimilated into the Phillies’ culture. Upon his arrival in 2022, he made an early impression and contributed to the team’s postseason success. He has hit 149 home runs since donning the red pinstripes, which is the third-most in MLB during that time, behind only Shohei Ohtani and Aaron Judge. With a towering bomb at Coors Field, he recently entered the 300-home run club, solidifying his status as one of the game’s top sluggers.
Beyond his strength, Schwarber is unique because of his leadership. Harper may be the team’s public face, but Schwarber has emerged as its pillar. He is the clubhouse anchor, the role model for younger players, and the calm voice in October pressure cookers. Hiring another bat won’t replace his postseason experience and team-first approach.
Time’s of the Essence, Strike Now?
Furthermore, there will undoubtedly be suitors. Schwarber’s trajectory, improving against left-handed pitching, reducing strikeouts, and using more of the field, is redefining what a designated hitter can be, even if designated hitters rarely get nine-figure contracts in free agency. His value is even more difficult to duplicate now that he has developed into more than just a one-dimensional slugger.
The Phillies cannot afford to wait because of this. Harper’s support is akin to a captain raising the alarm, not just a simple ‘thank you’ from a teammate. Philadelphia runs the risk of losing the very essence of its clubhouse if the team allows this to continue into free agency.
Schwarber is creating a legacy in Philadelphia in addition to hitting home runs; there isn’t much time for the front office. Avoid allowing Schwarber to make headlines while wearing someone else’s uniform. Act now, before the market reacts.