Los Angeles Dodgers two-way player Shohei Ohtani (who did not pitch in 2024 while recovering from Tommy John surgery) became the first designated hitter in National League history to claim an MVP Award last year. Ohtani is a strong contender to reclaim baseball's top individual honor, but Philadelphia Phillies slugger Kyle Schwarber has put together a strong case to take it for himself.
Schwarber currently leads the NL in both home runs (49) and RBIs (119) through 139 games. He is also second in both OPS (.939) and walks (92) — behind Ohtani and New York Mets outfielder Juan Soto, respectively.
Regardless of whether he is named the league's MVP, though, there is a chance that this year could be Schwarber's last with the Phillies. MLB Network insider Jon Heyman disagrees with that notion, predicting that Schwarber won't be going anywhere during the winter.
Schwarber predicted to remain in Philadelphia for 2026 and beyond
During a Tuesday episode of MLB Central, Heyman shared his thoughts on Schwarber's upcoming offseason situation, placing him fourth on his personal list of the top free agents in this year's class.
While he floated around possible teams that other top free agents, like New York Yankees outfielder Cody Bellinger, could land contract offers from, he spoke exclusively about the Phillies when it came to Schwarber.
"He's terrific in the clubhouse and on the field. He's arguably the MVP," Heyman said. "That is a great place for him. I think I would be surprised if he went anywhere else."
Lauren Shehadi, one of the show's hosts, said the team's ongoing efforts to hold onto Schwarber demonstrate the value he holds in the franchise's eyes.
"I can't remember of a time when Dave Dombrowski, the president of baseball operations, was this adamant about someone staying and their love organization-wide, from top to bottom," Shehadi said. "It just shows the player, and the man [that he is]."
Schwarber made $79 million over the course of his previous four-year deal with the Phillies. When free agency begins in a matter of months, it is widely expected that Schwarber's new contract, whether it's with the Phillies or another club, will surpass the average annual value of his previous agreement ($19.75 million) by a significant margin.