DETROIT, MICHIGAN – JUNE 25: The Philadelphia Phillies logo is pictured on a hat during the game against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park on June 25, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan.

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Patrick McAvoy

By Patrick McAvoy

Contributing Sports Writer

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The story of the offseason so far for the Philadelphia Phillies has been Kyle Schwarber, and rightfully so. But, he's not the only Phillies All-Star who is a free agent right now.

Schwarber is the guy getting the most buzz and is someone who should be back after crushing 56 homers in 2025. But two other guys who are also out there in free agency right now are starter Ranger Suárez and catcher JT Realmuto. Both have been All-Stats for Philadelphia along with Schwarber, but aren't getting the same sort of coverage as the slugger.

They have all been core pieces for the Phillies and one thing that should be positive for Philadelphia fans is that ESPN's Jesse Rogers said the expectation around the league with rival executives is that it would be surprising if Schwarber doesn't return. But, on the negative side for Philadelphia, Rogers noted that Suárez and Realmuto could both be gone.

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PHOENIX, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 20: Kyle Schwarber #12 of  the Philadelphia Phillies gets ready in the batters box against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field on September 20, 2025 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)

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"Everyone knows what the Phillies are facing this offseason: They could lose three key free agent players from their core including designated hitter Kyle Schwarber, starter Ranger Suarez and catcher J.T. Realmuto," Rogers wrote. "'We've talked about them,' team president Dave Dombrowski said. 'We'd loved to have them. It's more their process than ours at this point. They set the time frame. They know we have interest.'

"Rival executives said they would be surprised if Schwarber wasn't back in Philadelphia, but Suarez and Realmuto might be finding news homes for the 2026 season. It would leave work to be done for Dombrowski at those positions, to go along with a potential need in the outfield with prospect Justin Crawford an internal option."

Bringing back Schwarber is a great idea, but this point from Rogers gives a better picture of the offseason as a whole for the Phillies. Even if Schwarber returns, there's likely going to be more work to do.

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