Here is one thought that might hit you like a 98 mph fastball: Kyle Schwarber might just be playing his final season in a Phillies uniform. It does feel wild even to fathom it, right? The guy has been a cornerstone of the Philadelphia Phillies lineup. In 2025, Schwarber is batting .247 with eye-watering. 923 OPS. Plus, they don’t call him Mr. June for nothing. Every time this month rolls around, his power surges up— like clockwork.
His career numbers are historic, and among players with at least 600 at-bats in the month, he ranks third all-time in home run frequency. Guess who the guys ahead of him are? None other than Babe Ruth and Mark McGwire! That’s the elite company he keeps.
However, even then, there is a quiet shift waiting to happen behind the surface in Philly. And it all starts with Bryce Harper, believe it or not!
“I believe they are letting Schwarber go to free agency. I do not expect that Schwarber is going to be signed before the end of the year. From what I was told, they gave an offer. The offer was not embarrassing but it was, ‘yeah, that’s not getting it done.’”
– @JohnKincade… pic.twitter.com/ec9pyCvUEq
— 97.5 The Fanatic (@975TheFanatic) June 16, 2025
So recently, sports radio host John Kincade dropped this nugget. “I believe they are letting Schwarber go to free agency. I do not expect that Schwarber is going to be signed before the end of the year. From what I was told, they gave an offer. The offer was not embarrassing, but it was, ‘yeah, that’s not getting it done.’” So in translation, it means, don’t hold your breath on an extension. And it could all be surrounding Harper.
See, right now, Bryce Harper is sidelined with a wrist injury. But he is expected to come back soon, but when he does, one can’t expect him to return to first base forever. Because let’s be honest, he is not getting any younger, and the injuries are starting to stack up. There is, hence, a strong chance that the Phillies will move him to DH full-time to protect his body and keep the elite bat for a longer haul. So this means that Schwarber, who has mostly held down the DH spot, now looks like the odd man out here.
The Philadelphia Phillies also seem to be poking around in the outfield market. Jarren Duran, for example, has been linked to the Phillies. And with Rafael Devers already shipped, that stove is getting even hotter. If Duran or someone like him lands in Philadelphia, it’s more reason to believe that Schwarber’s time in red and white is ticking. For now, though, he is launching baseballs into orbit and helping Philly hold its ground in the NL East. But while the offense is in good hands, they still have one more issue to sort out, and it’s their bullpen.
Could Kenley Jansen be the Philadelphia Phillies’ secret weapon for October?
The Philadelphia Phillies are sitting 2 ½ games behind the New York Mets in the NL East and are currently holding the top wild card spot. So they are holding firm on the postseason picture. But if they are dead serious about October, the late innings cannot be left to hope.
Moreover, closer Jose Alvarado is on the outs because of an 80-game suspension and is officially ineligible for the playoffs. They have been leaning on Jordan Romano, but the problem is he hasn’t been himself. A 7.11 ERA over 25.1 innings has left the team essentially walking on eggshells in the ninth inning. But then, now entering the picture is Kenley Jansen. Sports Illustrated’s Nick Ziegler floated the closer’s name as a trade target. “One name that makes a lot of sense is the future Hall of Famer Kenley Jansen,” And honestly, it does make a lot of sense.
While the 37-year-old isn’t lighting up the sheet this season, he still owns a 4.94 ERA through 26 outings with 14 saves. Plus, his postseason numbers speak volumes about his capabilities. 59 appearances, a 2.20 ERA, 94 strikeouts, and 20 career saves. It’s the second most in playoff history, only behind Mariano Rivera!
Now, although he is no longer in his prime, he is still under contract through 2025 and won’t come with a steep price tag. For the Phillies’ bullpen that’s hanging by a thread, he could be the steady veteran hand they need. Do you think the Phillies need Jansen? Let us know in the comments.
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