The Philadelphia Phillies are sitting comfortably near the top of the National League East division with a 47-34 record. They have been one of MLB’s most well-rounded teams in 2025, holding the sixth-best win percentage at .580.
While much of the baseball world is focused on the July 31 trade deadline, Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski is already looking ahead to the offseason.
That’s because veterans Kyle Schwarber and J.T. Realmuto are both slated to hit free agency after the 2025 season concludes.
Why the Philadelphia Phillies and Dave Dombrowski Want Kyle Schwarber and J.T. Realmuto Back in 2026
Dombrowski understands that the 2025 World Series could represent a pivotal, perhaps final opportunity for the Phillies, who rely on a talented but aging core featuring Bryce Harper, Aaron Nola, Zack Wheeler, Schwarber, and Realmuto.
At the same time, two of those veterans, Schwarber and Realmuto, are entering free agency, which raises concerns about the experienced core potentially breaking apart after this season.
Dombrowski addressed that concern during a recent appearance on The Athletic’s “Starkville” podcast.
“You’re talking about two not only quality performers, but quality people,” Dombrowski said. “Schwarber, now mostly a DH, has been a winner everywhere he’s gone. J.T.’s one of the best catchers of the last decade. They’re both leaders, respected guys who bring everything you could want to a ballclub.”
This view of Kyle Schwarber’s 432-foot home run 😮💨 pic.twitter.com/7WVuxfxUMn
— MLB (@MLB) June 23, 2025
Both players are set to hit free agency this winter, and while Dombrowski stopped short of guaranteeing extensions, he made it clear that the Phillies want to keep the duo for many more years.
However, he also acknowledged the risk of losing players in free agency, noting that if another team dramatically outbids Philadelphia, there’s little choice but to let them walk.
“Of course, you’d like to keep players like that in your organization for years to come. But it always gets a little more difficult once they hit free agency… they’re open to the world,” Dombrowski added. “If you think a player’s worth three at X, and somebody else gives them 10 at Y and that Y is $500 million when you were offering $50 million, well, I tip my cap and wish them well.”
Dombrowski Is Hopeful Schwarber and Realmuto Remain Phillies
Schwarber, now 32, has remained one of the league’s most feared left-handed power bats. This season, he has clubbed 24 home runs through June and boasts a strong .375 on-base percentage. He can still produce in big moments, which has made him a fixture at the top of the Phillies’ lineup.
Realmuto, meanwhile, continues to add value to the team’s defense behind the plate. While he remains an above-average catcher at 34, his offensive output has declined. He’s currently slashing .240/.307/.354, which is below average by league standards.
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Nevertheless, he remains a well-loved veteran with much to offer the Phillies.
“But you can be assured: Schwarber is one of the best people you can have on a team. He brings leadership and power. J.T., our pitchers love throwing to him. He’s a leader, a tough competitor, and one of the toughest players I’ve ever been around. They’re two core players for us, and we’re hopeful they’ll remain Phillies for years to come.”
What a job of base running by JT Realmuto
34 year old catcher btw.. https://t.co/c5Gw8NNXoJ
— Jake Huber TDC (@JHuber_4) June 21, 2025
Perhaps more importantly, with them on the roster, Philadelphia can maintain a championship-caliber core, maybe not for the next decade, but certainly for several years to come.