In a decisive move that sent shockwaves through the Philadelphia baseball community, the Phillies announced a five‑year, $150 million contract for designated hitter Kyle Schwarber on Tuesday morning. The deal keeps the slugger on the roster through the 2030 season.
Schwarber’s Return
Schwarber, who played every one of the 162 games last year, posted career highs with 56 home runs and 132 RBI. Over his four seasons in Philadelphia, the veteran has averaged nearly 47 homers and 109 RBI, and the team finished as National League runner‑up. Earlier in the week, the Pittsburgh Pirates, Baltimore Orioles, New York Mets, Boston Red Sox, and Cincinnati Reds all reportedly made offers to the 33‑year‑old, but he chose to stay.
Rob Thomson, the Phillies’ manager, praised Schwarber’s leadership. “We’ve always wanted him back,” Thomson said. “He’s so different than most of the guys I’ve ever been around because he’s a great player, one, and he knows how to bring the heartbeat of the clubhouse down when things are going rough. Not only the clubhouse but individuals as well. He’s just a huge part of our ball club. (The fans) love him and I really think that he loves playing in Philadelphia. I really do. He does so much in the community, so much in the clubhouse. There’s more to him than there are a lot of guys cause he just brings a lot to a lot of different people.”
A Stronger Lineup
Schwarber’s move to the two spot behind leadoff hitter Trea Turner and ahead of Bryce Harper has paid off offensively. Turner won the National League batting title with a .304 average and 179 hits, while Harper finished the season with a .261 average, 27 home runs, and 75 RBI. The change helped Schwarber hit his best numbers yet.
Thomson noted the player’s work ethic and physical conditioning. “I think just his work ethic,” Thomson said. “The body has gotten better over time. He’s in the best shape of his life right now. I don’t think that that’s going to change. He’s so intelligent. He sees the game a little bit different than a lot of other guys. He works at it, watches a lot of film. I think there’s a really good chance that he’s going to maintain this level. This was a really good year for him. I don’t think we can expect this every year. But I still think he’s going to be a high‑level performer.”
Manager’s Commitment
Thomson also secured a contract extension through the 2027 season, making him the fourth manager in Major League history to take a team to the playoffs in each of his first four seasons. Since taking over in early June of 2022, he has led the Phillies to 346 wins and a .580 winning percentage, the second‑best in MLB.
When asked about future lineup decisions, Thomson said, “I’ve got some ideas but I haven’t talked to the players yet, so I don’t want to talk much more about that,” adding, “There’s going to be some changes even if we sign both those guys back. There’s still going to be some changes. And there might be some change within the lineup as far as the order, which could infuse a little bit of energy. We won 96 games last year, so it’s not like we’re not doing well. We’ve got a good club and no matter what happens we’re still going to have a good club.”
Thomson also expressed personal loyalty to the organization. “It always comes back, for me, are you having fun, are you enjoying it? Are you getting in somebody’s way? Are you getting in the way of winning? I’m still enjoying it,” he said. “I love the organization. This is the only place I want to go. I don’t want to go anyplace else whenever I’m done because I love the people. And I love the organization from the owner (John Middleton) to Dave (Dombrowski), all our player development people. It’s just a group of people that really come together and want to win baseball games and want to win a championship. And that’s what I love.”
Looking Ahead
Thomson highlighted areas for improvement, particularly in the outfield. “I think it can be better, yeah,” he said of the outfield. “We’ve got some ideas and obviously you have to execute those ideas and plans, but I think there’s some good plans in place. Hopefully we can execute it. We can be more productive…” The Phillies are also monitoring a potential signing of J.T. Realmuto, while the general manager and Dombrowski remain focused on other roster moves.
Reflecting on the heartbreaking loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers in the Divisional Playoff, Thomson said, “Guys were probably a little bit frustrated that we’ve been there and close and haven’t gotten it done and I think that’s great motivation going into next year.” He added, “So far, it’s pretty good. It’s been good,” noting the progress made after the signing of Schwarber and his own extension.
Notes
- Thomson has not spoken to reliever Jose Alvarado, who is in Venezuela, but expects the left‑hander to return to spring training in good shape.
- Thomson knows that Harper underwent an EBOO procedure to improve circulation and reduce inflammation, but does not have details on the procedure.
- Regarding Nick Castellanos, Thomson said, “I haven’t talked to him. I still respect Nick. At the end of the day what he wants to do is play every day and you can’t dog a guy for wanting to play every day.”
Key Takeaways
- Kyle Schwarber signed a five‑year, $150 million contract with the Phillies, keeping him through 2030.
- Manager Rob Thomson extended his contract through the 2027 season and praised Schwarber’s leadership and work ethic.
- The Phillies’ lineup, with Schwarber at two, Turner at one, and Harper at three, produced strong offensive numbers, earning Turner the NL batting title.
The Phillies’ front office and coaching staff have taken decisive steps to secure the franchise’s future, with a veteran power hitter on board and a manager committed to the organization’s long‑term success.
