Phillies 'weren't close' in contract talks with Kyle Schwarber this past offseason

Phillies 'weren't close' in contract talks with Kyle Schwarber this past offseason originally appeared on The Sporting News

The Philadelphia Phillies are one of the most expensive teams in baseball right now, with massive contracts doled out to Bryce Harper, Trea Turner, Aaron Nola, Nick Castellanos, Zack Wheeler, and many others.

But one of the most important players the Phillies have spent a lot of money on is designated hitter Kyle Schwarber. He's been integral to the team's success since he arrived in Philadelphia, and he's slated to become a free agent this offseason.

However, there was a chance the slugger was never going to hit the open market after 2025. According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, the Phillies tried to make a contract extension with Schwarber this past offseason, but it never came to fruition.

The Phillies weren't close to re-signing Kyle Schwarber ahead of the 2025 MLB season

"The Phillies did try to sign DH Kyle Schwarber before the start of the season," Nightegnale reports, "but the two sides never came close to reaching an agreement."

This report from Nightengale provides insight into the negotiations between the Phillies and Schwarber. While the two sides have shown interest in sticking together, the deal the Phillies had on the table ahead of the 2025 season isn't one Schwarber accepted then, and certainly won't accept now.

The Phillies DH was coming off a strong 2024 season, in which he had 142 hits, 110 runs scored, 22 doubles, 38 home runs, 104 RBIs, five stolen bases, 106 walks, and a .248 batting average with a .366 on-base percentage, .485 slugging percentage, and an .851 OPS.

However, his 2025 numbers are even better. He has 140 hits, 107 runs scored, 22 doubles, two triples, 53 home runs (both a career high and leads the NL), 129 RBIs (a career high and leads all of MLB), 10 stolen bases, 105 walks, a .243 batting average, .369 on-base percentage, .564 slugging percentage, and a career-high .934 OPS.

Yesterday's money is not today's money, as Schwarber's contract demands this upcoming offseason will be significantly more than the Phillies initially offered this past offseason.

MORE: Phillies' Kyle Schwarber receives $35 million free agent prediction

While it's slightly concerning that the Phillies came up short ahead of 2025, and will now have to go even higher this offseason to re-sign Schwarber, the two sides have expressed interest in a deal, and the Phillies are adamant they'll retain the All-Star Game MVP.

Losing Schwarber would be a disaster, and the Phillies, with an owner willing to spend money where necessary, have all the reasons to offer Schwarber a massive contract this winter.

He initially was signed to a four-year, $79 million deal ahead of 2025. Now, he's projected to make roughly $30 million a year over four years, a $20 million per-year increase from his current deal.

It's a lot of money for a designated hitter, but if Schwarber can continue to be one of the game's best sluggers, then there's no reason the Phillies shouldn't pay up to keep one of the best home-run hitters in recent baseball history.

While the Phillies weren't close on a smaller contract extension for Schwarber in the offseason, they have ample reason to offer the bigger deal this upcoming offseason to keep the fan favorite slugger in Philadelphia.

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