The Major League Baseball winter meetings begin on Monday, December 8th. With that date just around the corner, a lot of potential moves could begin to come to fruition in the next week or so.
For the Philadelphia Phillies, the winter meetings present a big opportunity to make progress in contract talks and trade talks to kick off a big offseason.
For ESPN insider Jeff Passan, the winter meetings are especially interesting for Schwarber, as Passan predicts the top slugger will make his free agent decision in the next week.
Phillies predicted to get Kyle Schwarber's free agent decision during winter meetings
When asked which player would be most likely to sign during the winter meetings, Passan predicted that "Schwarber is the best bet."
Passan also predicted that a Kyle Tucker contract, "isn't close to done yet," and that Cody Bellinger "has a healthy market but is biding his time."
Meanwhile, Alex Bregman, Bo Bichette, and Pete Alonso will have plenty of suitors, and can wait to make their free agent decision thanks to plenty of interest from around the league.
Schwarber being the first to sign wouldn't be too surprising. Markets for Munetaka Murakami, Pete Alonso, and other designated hitter-type sluggers are reliant on Schwarber's decision this winter.
More: Phillies interested in Kyle Schwarber replacement not named Kyle Tucker
There are plenty of teams interested in Schwarber, and while the Phillies will have to stave off those clubs, like the New York Mets, Baltimore Orioles, and Boston Red Sox, they are also predicted to get his decision sooner rather than later.
This prediction from Passan is some good news for the Phillies, as knowing whether their biggest priority is coming back or not before any other team can make moves will give Philadelphia a clear runway for the rest of the offseason.
Schwarber could decide in the next week during the winter meetings on where he'll sign. If he does sign, and with the Phillies, then it'll be a great way to begin the offseason for the Phillies.
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