The Philadelphia Phillies have seen some cracks emerge after giving up the top spot in the National League East division.
After briefly overtaking the rival New York Mets, the Phillies are back in second place after a harsh sweep at the hands of the Milwaukee Brewers and a series loss to the Toronto Blue Jays. They now head into a series with the Pittsburgh Pirates with new pressure to right the ship.
However, there is at least one highlight the Phillies can focus on for some positivity: Kyle Schwarber.
In his age-32 season, Schwarber is enjoying his best production ever, slashing .260/.387/.559 with 19 home runs so far. He seems poised to carry the Phillies offense toward another postseason run. However, that success could be making it more difficult for the team to plan their future around him.
Schwarber is set to become a free agent at the end of this year if the Phillies are unable to lock him into an extension first. And Rowan Kavner of Fox Sports predicted Schwarber would refuse those overtures from his current team.
“Schwarber’s in the midst of the best offensive season of his career,” Kavner wrote. “I have a hard time thinking — or seeing a reason why — he would agree to sign an extension in season before testing free agency, even if he ultimately does end up back with the Phillies.”
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If Schwarber does indeed reach free agency, it’s possible the Phillies will find a way to bring him back. But with several expensive long-term contracts already on the books, if the bidding for his bat gets too high, this could be the final season of Schwarbombs in Philadelphia.
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