The Philadelphia Phillies took a loss against the Houston Astros on Tuesday, but they’ve retained the top spot in the National League East thanks to a brutal losing streak for the New York Mets.
Ultimately, though, the Phillies have their sights set on something much more important than another division title. The team is determined to make a deep playoff run after getting bounced with just a single win last year.
The organization is facing significant pressure to return to the World Series as it faces a closing championship window. Leading players like Bryce Harper, Zack Wheeler and Trea Turner continue to get older and others could be departing after this season in free agency. Most importantly, that could mean losing designated hitter Kyle Schwarber.
“The Phillies offered him a contract extension back in spring training before those discussions failed to advance past an initial proposal,” Deesha Thosar wrote for Fox Sports. “Now, Schwarber is all but certain to enter free agency when the season is over. That quandary brings with it a whole host of questions for the Phillies this season and beyond, particularly when it comes to their championship window.”
The Phillies are looking to make the most of what could be their final season with one of the most productive hitters in the sport. That will almost certainly mean an aggressive trade deadline of additions, including a high-leverage bullpen arm and a better right-handed bat for the outfield.
But, looking forward, Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski admitted that he’s prepared to lose Schwarber this winter.
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“We don’t want to lose him,” Dombrowski told Thosar. “But I think your responsibility, as somebody in my job, is to make your club better in other ways. I’ve lost free-agent players in the past that we’ve gone out and been able to do things. Again, not that you want to lose him. But I don’t think it’s the end of any window or anything.”
Phillies fans might have a hard time imagining life without Schwarber, but it seems like Dombrowski has thought it through. However, everyone involved can still hope that it doesn’t become a reality for several more years to come.
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