Kyle Schwarber isn't just the Philadelphia Phillies' top priority in free agency; he's their only priority.
Keeping Schwarber would validate everything the Phillies have built over the last four years. Schwarber's $79 million contract was a smashing success, and the lefty slugger has taken his game to a new level as a 32-year-old in his walk year.
It's not out of the question that Schwarber, even as a designated hitter-only at his age, could get a nine-figure contract. And one of his former teams might present a stiff challenge now that they have significant money off the books.
The Boston Red Sox, who traded for Schwarber when they made their only playoff push this decade in 2021, just freed up $254.5 million in future payroll by trading superstar Rafael Devers. Does that mean they'll now be in on Schwarber to fill Devers' spot at DH?
On Sunday, Boston.com's Connor Ryan discussed Schwarber's fit for the Red Sox in the wake of the Devers deal.
"If the Red Sox intend on adding 30-40 homers to their lineup without much hassle, giving Schwarber a contract this winter would be the best path forward," Ryan wrote.
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"Letting Schwarber walk after his brief stint with Boston in 2021 was a miscalculation, considering that the slugger has gone on to club 154 home runs over his four seasons so far with the Phillies. He’s on pace for 48 home runs and 114 RBI this year."
Schwarber has a .920 OPS for the Phillies in 78 games this season, crushing 24 home runs and driving in 55. In Boston, though, he managed a .957 OPS in 41 games, arriving in a deadline deal with the Washington Nationals.
The comfort Schwarber has now built in Philadelphia should now outweigh any good vibes he had in Boston. But if the Red Sox are suddenly willing to back up the Brinks truck, the Phillies could have a problem on their hands.
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