Kyle Schwarber is the top free agent from the Philadelphia Phillies' list this winter, and while keeping him is a priority of the Phillies, they could end up looking elsewhere this offseason.
There are plenty of intriguing players set to be free agents this offseason, and for the Phillies, there's one name that stands out as a clear replacement for Schwarber, though it might not be the most popular decision for Phillies fans.
According to former GM Jim Bowden of The Athletic, if the Phillies can't bring back Schwarber, then they could add Pete Alonso to replace Schwarber's slugging abilities in the lineup.
Former MLB GM suggests the Phillies should sign Pete Alonso if Kyle Schwarber walks
"If for some reason he departs, then a quick pivot to signing Pete Alonso would make sense." Bowden writes. "Alonso (31 next season) is younger than Schwarber and played in all 162 games for the second straight season."
Adding Alonso in place of Schwarber would be an interesting decision from the Phillies. Fans would likely only accept the move if it came after Schwarber signed elsewhere in free agency.
If the Phillies decided to sign Alonso while Schwarber was still available to re-sign, then there would be plenty of backlash. But, as Bowden mentions, Alonso is younger and is also playing every single day.
More importantly, Alonso was an everyday player for the New York Mets as a first baseman, not as a designated hitter. While the extension for Alonso, likely over seven years, would be an expensive one, he could slide to first base in a pinch if the Phillies need it.
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Alonso didn't hit 56 home runs like Schwarber did in 2025, but he did put together a very impressive offensive season. In 162 games, Alonso hit an NL-leading 41 doubles to go with 38 home runs, 126 RBIs on 170 hits with a .272 batting average and an .871 OPS.
The huge difference in home runs made Schwarber the better player this past season, but with Alonso's ability to play first base, and his numbers not being too far behind Schwarber's, signing the former Mets slugger wouldn't be the worst idea.
But signing him would likely mean that Schwarber is no longer in Philadelphia, which would be a sad outcome after an incredible four years with the Phillies.
Schwarber is hitting free agency, but the Phillies should have the means to extend him for the next few years, even if it does cost them a lot. Keeping a slugger like Schwabrer on the roster is a priority, but in the worst-case scenario that he walks, Alonso would be a reasonable option to replace him, as Bowden mentions.
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