Phillies could replace Kyle Schwarber with $300M World Series champion, 4-time All-Star

Hunter Cookston

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Phillies could replace Kyle Schwarber with $300M World Series champion, 4-time All-Star image

The Philadelphia Phillies are set for a busy and intriguing summer as they decide which players to bring back and which to let walk in free agency. One name to keep an eye on throughout the process is Kyle Schwarber — even though the team has been cautioned against re-signing him.

“The Phillies should not re-sign Schwarber to a multi-year contract. Not signing him will hurt the club offensively and the front office would need to have a plan to replace the home run hitter. However, what if they bring him back for multiple years and he begins to decline? Either decision brings a certain amount of risk,” TBOH’s Matt Grazel wrote. “This roster needs substantial changes. While unpopular and risky, the decision not to re-sign Schwarber represents the best chance for Dombrowski to shake up the roster, which is necessary at this point.”

If Schwarber doesn’t return, the Phillies could go all in on free agent Kyle Tucker.

“Their window to win appears to be closing, but they can keep it open if they land a top free agent. Tucker would be a good fallback option for them if they are unable to re-sign Schwarber and could keep them at the top of the NL East in 2026,” SI’s Kurt Bishop wrote.

Tucker could also choose to return to Chicago, but that seems unlikely after his comments at the end of the season.

“We'll see what happens. Don't know what the future is going to hold. If not, it's been an honor playing with all these guys and wish everyone best of luck whether it’s playing next year or not with them,” Tucker said.

If Philadelphia lands Tucker, it would send shockwaves through the NL East — and the National League as a whole. The Phillies would remain a top contender and a major threat to reach the World Series.

Philadelphia fans have been on the doorstep of a championship for the past few years. Tucker could be the missing piece to finally push them over the top. He’s expected to be at the center of one of the biggest bidding wars of the offseason.

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