Kyle Schwarber did the free-agent homework, took the calls and “respected the process,” but his answer kept circling back to the same goal. He talked about “unfinished business” in Philadelphia and said he wants to win a World Series there — “and more than one” — so when the Phillies put a five-year, $150 million contract on the table this week, it matched the place and the mission he already had in mind.
Schwarber said on MLB Tonight that he has “grown as a player in Philadelphia the last four years” and feels the trust between player and club is a major part of that. The Phillies believe in his power and presence in the middle of the lineup. He believes in their path back to October — and beyond.
That conviction comes backed by production.
Schwarber hit.240 with 56 home runs, 132 RBI and a.928 OPS in 157 games last season, finishing second in National League MVP voting. He has become one of the sport’s most consistent momentum-shifters, and his bat remains central to how Philadelphia wins.
Schwarber also values the connection between the Phillies and a fan base that makes Citizens Bank Park feel like a postseason venue even in June. He talked about sold-out nights, towels flying, and the kind of emotional investment from fans that players hope to experience once in a career.
“You have a fan base that emotionally invests as much as they do in you,” Schwarber said. He made it clear that the environment fuels the clubhouse — and makes the push into October addictive.
The coaching staff was a factor as well.
Schwarber credited Rob Thomson’s calm, player-driven style and his steady hand during big moments. He also pointed to hitting coach Kevin Long for continuing to challenge him, particularly with improvements last year against left-handed pitching. That work hasn’t stopped.
Schwarber has reached the postseason in 10 of his first 11 major league seasons. He doesn’t plan to watch October baseball from home anytime soon — and definitely not in Philadelphia.
“My worst nightmare is going home on September 30,” he said. The goal now is to see it all the way through — with a trophy on Broad Street.
