There is no bigger priority for the Philadelphia Phillies this winter than re-signing Kyle Schwarber to a long-term deal. While there will be plenty of suitors all clamoring for him, the Phillies still plan to bring Schwarber back.
However, if he departs in free agency, the Phillies won't sit still. There are plenty of other options they could target to try and replace his offense if Schwarber leaves.
According to ESPN MLB insider Jeff Passan, if the Phillies lose Schwarber in free agency, they have a plan. Passan reveals the Phillies will shift gears to top free agent outfielder Kyle Tucker if their fan-favorite designated hitter departs.
The Phillies to target Kyle Tucker if Kyle Schwarber departs in free agency
"If Schwarber leaves Philadelphia," Passan writes, "Tucker makes plenty of sense there, particularly as the Phillies pivot to get younger, with 21-year-old Justin Crawford expected to enter spring training as the favorite to win their center field job."
Losing Schwarber in free agency would be a big blow, but if it could lead to the Phillies bringing in Tucker, then it might not be the worst possible outcome.
Tucker will cost significantly more, as Schwarber's likely to land a deal around $150 million, whereas Tucker could eclipse $400 million total.
But, Schwarber is a full-time designated hitter, and Tucker is a corner outfielder who could easily slide into the Phillies' new-look outfield in 2026.
More: Phillies linked to Pete Alonso as a Kyle Schwarber replacement
Justin Crawford in center field, Tucker in right field, and a platoon in left field with Brandon Marsh and a right-handed hitter would make up a solid outfield.
Tucker is 28 years old, five years younger than Schwarber, and coming off a solid year. While not the 56 home runs and 132 RBIs that Schwarber had, Tucker finished with 22 home runs, 73 RBIs, and a solid.841 OPS.
Tucker signing in Philadelphia if Schwarber departs is far from a guarantee, but if such a scenario does occur, the Phillies could at least open the checkbooks a little more to bring in the top free agent this winter.
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