The Philadelphia Phillies' biggest priority this winter is to re-sign Kyle Schwarber to a long-term extension. With both sides interested in a reunion, the Phillies bringing him back seems to be a likely outcome this winter.
However, reports have indicated the two sides aren't close on a deal, and with more teams, like the Pittsburgh Pirates, Cincinnati Reds, and Boston Red Sox expressing interest, retaining Schwarber isn't a given.
And according to a new report from MLB.com insider Mark Feinsand, contract talks between the Phillies and Schwarber are "slow" heading into the Winter Meetings.
Phillies, Kyle Schwarber contract talks are 'slow'
"Schwarber could be the first to sign, though whether he returns to the Phillies remains to be seen," Feinsand writes, "Talks between the two sides have been slow, sources said, though other clubs, including the Mets, Red Sox, Orioles, and Reds, are also in the mix for the slugger."
The Phillies are interested in retaining Schwarber, but heading into the MLB Winter Meetings, the two sides remain apart in contract talks, and those talks are "slow" at the moment.
What this report means is that, while there's mutual interest, progress towards a deal isn't being made with the Phillies and Schwarber.
More: Phillies interested in Kyle Schwarber replacement not named Kyle Tucker
Dave Dombrowski and the Phillies want to retain Schwarber, who had a career-high 56 home runs and 132 RBIs in 2025. It's likely to be a deal north of $140 million over five years, and the Phillies might be balking at such a price.
Schwarber is a designated hitter, and if the Phillies cannot bring him back, then they could turn to Kyle Tucker, Cody Bellinger, or any of the other top names on the market this offseason.
With contract talks being "slow" heading into the Winter Meetings, the Phillies' chances of resigning Schwarber don't look as great as they did at the start of the offseason.
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