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By Aaliyan Mohammed
Contributing Sports Writer
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The Philadelphia Phillies have some key players on the open market, but perhaps none more important than Kyle Schwarber. He figures to have plenty of suitors this winter.
Schwarber has done nothing but produce since joining the Phillies. In four seasons, he has a .856 OPS with 187 home runs. There may be questions about giving him a lucrative contract going into his age-33 season, but some team is bound to spend big on the MVP finalist. Sports Illustrated's Will Laws and Nick Selbe predicted Schwarber would leave Philadelphia to sign with the New York Mets.
"Over the past four seasons, only Aaron Judge has hit more than Schwarber’s 187 home runs," wrote Sports Illustrated on Nov. 7. "The veteran slugger has posted nearly every day during that span, missing just 21 games since 2022. Schwarber is comfortably in the DH-only phase of his career, and players at the bottom of the defensive spectrum have had to take some financial hits in free agency in recent years. If those teams believe Schwarber can maintain his status as one of the league’s best hitters for the medium-term future, then he’ll more than justify a nine-figure commitment."
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Not many teams are going to outbid Steve Cohen and the Mets if they want Schwarber. David Stearns has made known his desire to improve the Mets' run prevention, and that could mean they let Pete Alonso, and his minus-33 outs above average at first base since 2019, walk in free agency. They would need a way to replace his production, and Schwarber would do just that.
Schwarber's batting average is not great, but he more than makes up for it with slug. His leaving Philadelphia would be a huge blow to the team and fanbase, no matter where he goes. However, leaving for a rival as disliked as the Mets would undoubtedly leave a stain on his time with the Phillies.
Perhaps his loyalty to and admiration of the Phillies will lead to a reunion. However, if Schwarber simply wants the highest dollar figure with a chance to win, the Mets are a great destination. He could join forces with Francisco Lindor and Juan Soto in pursuit of a championship.
More MLB: Phillies Lose 9-Year Veteran Pitcher to Free Agency
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