The Philadelphia Phillies are on the verge of what could be an important offseason. While they are focused on their NLDS matchup against the Los Angeles Dodgers, it is impossible not to think about who they could lose this offseason.
J.T. Realmuto, Ranger Suarez, Max Kepler, Jordan Romano, David Robertson, and Kyle Schwarber will all become free agents when the season comes to an end. That is a big group of key contributors, but none bigger than Schwarber.
Schwarber has been on a tear this year, playing in all 162 regular-season games, hitting .240/.365/.563 with an NL-leading 56 home runs and an MLB-leading 132 runs batted in. He would be quite the player to lose, but there is no denying he will have a large group of teams trying to sign him.
Phillies linked to three-time All-Star as potential Kyle Schwarber replacement
The Phillies must have some backup plans if they cannot retain Kyle Schwarber. While replacing him outright would be tough, and it surely would take its toll on the fans, Bleacher Report's Tim Kelly points to Alex Bregman as a potential fit.
"If Schwarber signs elsewhere, Bregman might be the most obvious pivot for the Phillies. Not only would he help replace the offensive production lost with Schwarber's departure, but Bregman would also help fill the leadership void created."
Kelly indicates that Bregman would be a great offensive replacement and also a great clubhouse presence. Between him and Bryce Harper, that could be a powerful duo next season if it comes to fruition.