The Philadelphia Phillies got their biggest move of the offseason done when they re-signed Kyle Schwarber to a massive five-year, $150 million contract.
He had other offers from teams like the Baltimore Orioles and Cincinnati Reds, but he chose to return to Philadelphia.
During his interview after signing this $150 million contract on NBC Sports Philadelphia, Schwarber revealed insight into why he signed back with Philadelphia. While it wasn't the sole reason, he credited Phillies fans with helping to make this decision a lot easier.
How Phillies fans helped convince Kyle Schwarber to re-sign
"I think resonating with an organization and the fanbase is a huge part of why you do it," Schwarber said. "Those are awesome moments. Those are things you don't forget. I know the whole constitution thing that went around Citizens Bank Ballpark, I have that. I got that in my possession. Those are things that you truly do respect about the fanbase."
The "constitution" that Schwarber refers to was a poster that made its way around Citizens Bank Park late in the season, which called for Schwarber to re-sign with the Phillies. Fans signed it as it made its way around CBP, and now it's in Schwarber's possession.
That's just one of many instances of Phillies fans reaching out to Schwarber to ask him to re-sign with the Phillies. Bringing Schwarber back was a priority for the Phillies and their fanbase.
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Now that it's happened, Schwarber got to share his appreciation for the fans, as playing in front of the Philadelphia crowd is one of many reasons why he decided to return.
It's not a cheap deal, but for both Schwarber and the Phillies, the $150 million investment is a worthwhile one. "I think it's going to be a great investment for both sides," Schwarber said.
Schwarber is back in Philadelphia, and the fanbase couldn't be happier. They've been showing him love since he arrived in Philadelphia, and the free agent process only heightened how much the Phillies fan base cares about Schwarber.
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