Schwarber returns to Philadelphia: 5 years and $150 million with the Phillies

ORLANDO, Florida. The Philadelphia Phillies have secured the continuity of one of their most outstanding hitters by reaching an agreement with Kyle Schwarber. The contract, officially announced during the 2025 Winter Meetings, is for five years and amounts to 150 million dollars. Schwarber’s return was one of the most anticipated decisions of the offseason, especially after his impressive performance in 2025. He led the National League with 56 home runs and was the best in Major League Baseball with 132 RBIs, in addition to recording an OPS of .928. His impact on offense made him one of the most desired players on the market. Schwarber, 32, reached free agency after rejecting the $22.025 million qualifying offer for 2026. During the season, he achieved a rare feat: the 21st four-home run game in MLB history, on August 28. This agreement follows a previous four-year, $79 million contract that proved very beneficial for the Phillies. With Schwarber, the team broke its postseason drought in his first season and advanced to the World Series. In addition, the club qualified for the playoffs in each of his four years with the player. During that period, Schwarber established himself as one of the best hitters in Major League Baseball, accumulating:

187 home runs (tied for 2nd)
426 bases on balls (3rd)
434 RBIs (4th)
429 runs scored (5th)

Furthermore, he hit 14 home runs in the postseason. Since his debut, Schwarber has had a significant impact. Drafted by the Cubs in the 2014 Draft, he has been a key player in October. In 2015, he had an OPS of 1.308 in the postseason and, a year later, batted .412 in the World Series, contributing to Chicago’s historic title. His 23 playoff home runs place him in third place historically. Although not a typical leadoff hitter, he has proven effective in that position, with 46 leadoff home runs, placing him eighth historically, including a record of 15 in the 2024 season. Some analysts have pointed out his “all or nothing” tendency. However, he improved his batting average in 2024-25, reaching .244, surpassing the .207 he recorded in his first two seasons with the Phillies. The Schwarber signing, along with Edwin Díaz’s recent deal with the Dodgers, changes the free agency landscape. Now, the focus is on Pete Alonso, who could be the next player to sign a big contract this winter. The Mets, Red Sox, and Orioles are among the interested teams. The agreement also affects salary expectations for other power hitters and for mid-level batters seeking a favorable market this offseason.