MLB insider reveals Phillies' chances of re-signing Kyle Schwarber

Matt Sullivan

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MLB insider reveals Phillies' chances of re-signing Kyle Schwarber image

The Philadelphia Phillies have one big issue to address this winter: whether they can re-sign Kyle Schwarber or not. Hitting free agency after a four-year, $79 million deal expires, Schwarber is one of the hottest names on the market.

There will be plenty of teams vying for the designated hitter, but the Phillies will try to bring him back to Philadelphia. But what are their chances of doing so?

According to MLB.com insider Todd Zolecki, during a segment on MLB Network, he revealed the Phillies' chances of bringing the MVP-candidate DH back look "really good" as free agency gets underway.

Phillies' chances of re-signing Kyle Schwarber look 'really good'

"I think they're really good," Zolecki said. "His teammates want him back, the coaches want him back, Rob Thomson wants him back, the front office wants him back. And most importantly, Phillies owner John Middleton wants him back."

The Phillies retaining Schwarber to be their designated hitter for the next few seasons would be huge for the offense. While a whole bunch of other changes need to be made, losing Schwarber would be a huge loss.

Instead, if the Phillies can bring him back and secure a key bat in the lineup, the Phillies would be much better off. It won't come cheap, as Schwarber's projected a $30 million per-year deal at the minimum in free agency.

More: Phillies linked to Pete Alonso as a Kyle Schwarber replacement

But, after a 56 home run season with an MLB-best 132 RBIs, and a top-three MVP finish in the National League, Schwarber's importance to the team can't be understated.

The Phillies DH just had the best year of his career, and for him, it came at the perfect time. At 32 years old, Schwabrer is looking to cash in with a huge extension, and the Phillies are looking likely to oblige.

Zolecki's report is a good sign for the Phillies' chances of keeping Schwarber, but they still need to beat out the other teams in the league and convince Schwarber to come back.

The offseason has just begun, and it might take some time for Schwarber to sign an extension, but at the start of free agency, the Phillies' chances of keeping their MVP candidate look "pretty good."

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Editorial Team