Sources: Schwarber back to Phils on $150M deal

"Following a frenzied free agency that saw efforts to sign Schwarber by the New York Mets, Boston Red Sox, Baltimore Orioles and even small-market teams in Pittsburgh and his hometown Cincinnati, a late push by Philadelphia secured the 32-year-old a rare big-money, long-term deal for a designated hitter. Coming off a division series loss to the eventual World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers, the Phillies balked at life without Schwarber, their clear clubhouse leader and a highly respected figure in the game."

"Schwarber has been a model of slugging consistency since joining the Phillies in 2022 on a four-year, $79 million deal, hitting at least 38 home runs in each of his four seasons. This year, he played all 162 games for the first time in his career, became the 21st player in MLB history to hit four home runs in a game and was one of just five players with at least 100 walks."

"Beyond his prodigious power, Schwarber is regarded as a titan in the Phillies' locker room, a reputation that made him even more appealing to teams as he nearly doubled the guarantee from his last foray into free agency. Aging DHs rarely get multiyear deals on the open market, let alone ones at $30 million a year, but Schwarber was an outlier in multiple regardless."

Kyle Schwarber is finalizing a five-year, $150 million contract to return to the Philadelphia Phillies as their designated hitter and clubhouse leader. Multiple teams, including the Mets, Red Sox, Orioles, Pirates and Reds, pursued him in free agency before Philadelphia secured the deal. Schwarber finished second in 2025 MVP voting after hitting .240/.365/.563 with 56 home runs and an NL-leading 132 RBIs. Since joining the Phillies in 2022, he has hit at least 38 homers each season, played a full 162-game season, hit four homers in a game, and recorded at least 100 walks. The contract represents an uncommon long-term commitment to an aging DH.

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