Rangers could sign $150M World Series champion, MVP candidate, replacing Joc Pederson

Hunter Cookston

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Rangers could sign $150M World Series champion, MVP candidate, replacing Joc Pederson image

The Philadelphia Phillies’ offseason could go one of two ways: either very good news or very bad news. The good news is they retain everyone; the bad news is that some players could walk. If they want to bring Kyle Schwarber back, it’s likely to come at a steep cost.

“He's going to fetch a large payday, and the Phillies could have a number to shoot for to avoid him leaving for another team. That number could end up in the ballpark of five years, $150 million, averaging $30 million per year. Some experts are saying that he could possibly ask for higher,” TBOH’s Matt Davis wrote.

However, re-signing Schwarber carries risks, and letting him walk might actually be the safer option.

“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 does walk, MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand sees the Texas Rangers as a potential landing spot for the veteran.

“Players entering their age-33 season don’t tend to find themselves this high on the list, but Schwarber is an exception. His plus power helped him lead the National League with 56 home runs and 132 RBIs while playing in all 162 games, setting a career-high in bWAR (4.7) and fWAR (4.9). Schwarber can play left field on occasion, but he’s essentially a full-time DH who will make any lineup better immediately upon arrival,” Feinsand wrote.

For the Rangers, Schwarber would essentially be replacing Joc Pederson, which represents a major upgrade. Pederson struggled out of the gate last season, posting one of the worst starts of his career.

Schwarber is seeking a hefty deal, and the Rangers could easily accommodate that. This move could singlehandedly put them back in playoff contention.

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