The Philadelphia Phillies are the favorites to sign Kyle Schwarber back this free agency cycle, but it's still far from a guarantee.
There's still a scenario where a team like the Cincinnati Reds comes in and steals Schwarber from the Phillies. If that happens, the Phillies will need to shift gears and sign a replacement.
Fortunately, a recent free agent update for Schwarber and Kyle Tucker from MLB Network's Jon Morosi spells good news for the Phillies, even if Schwarber leaves this winter.
Phillies get good news on Kyle Schwarber's free agent update
"Kyle Schwarber, I believe, will sign first," Morosi said. "Neither one of them will sign this week. I think with Schwarber being an older player, and his market being a little more set as the role that he has, I think Schwarber signs first."
.@jonmorosi says he expects Kyle Schwarber to sign before Kyle Tucker:
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) December 1, 2025
“Neither one of them will sign this week... [I] feel like we're heading towards a Winter Meetings signing extravaganza.”
We are less than a week away from the 2025 Winter Meetings 👀 pic.twitter.com/wdoL8cxNMx
Morosi believes that Schwarber will sign his new contract before Tucker signs his. With a teaser that these deals could begin to materialize during the winter meetings, beginning on December 7th, a deal with Schwarber could come somewhat soon.
But the question here is, why does this spell good news for the Phillies? The reasoning is clear. If Schwarber signs first, whether it's with the Phillies or elsewhere, then the Phillies will have their most important free agent decision figured out.
More: Phillies linked to Pete Alonso as a Kyle Schwarber replacement
If they keep Schwarber, then they can pivot to JT Realmuto or other free agents and trade targets. But if he were to leave, and it comes before Tucker or any other big free agent signs, then the Phillies will have plenty of options to pivot to.
Schwarber is the Phillies' biggest priority this winter, and knowing what the outcome of his free agency is will be a huge advantage for the Phillies. Keep him, and the Phillies know the limit they have to spend on other positions. Lose him, and most of their alternative options will still be on the market.
Teams around baseball likely won't sign players before they make a decision on Tucker or Schwarber, and for the Phillies, to know Schwarber's free agent outcome first would be a big advantage in the free agent market.
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