The Philadelphia Phillies are rolling the dice as the trade deadline approaches. They’re not just getting a mid-season rental—they might take a bet on a slugger who is second only to Ohtani in the home run race. His bat isn’t just loud; it’s the heartbeat of the Phillies’ lineup and clubhouse.
Not only that, his 16.2% walk rate is the fourth-highest figure in the majors this year. A kind of player that teams dream about. Even their ace player, Bryce Harper, wants him on his side. And amidst all this, instead of offering an extension, the Phillies are letting him test the market. Still wondering who he is?
Let’s unroll it for you! It’s their DH, Kyle Schwarber. He signed a four-year, $79 million deal before the 2022 season. Since then, his performance has made the front office say it’s worth it. In the Phillies, he is more than just a power bat; he’s more of a cornerstone. He has been just hitting 131 home runs and having a cumulative OPS of .877 from 2022 until mid-2025.
MLB, Baseball Herren, USA Toronto Blue Jays at Philadelphia Phillies Jun 13, 2025 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA Philadelphia Phillies designated hitter Kyle Schwarber 12 rounds the bases after hitting a three-run home run against the Toronto Blue Jays in the second inning at Citizens Bank Park. Philadelphia Citizens Bank Park Pennsylvania USA, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xKylexRossx 20250613_KR_gx1_09
But now that the last year of that deal is here and free agency is coming up in the winter of 2026, Philly has a big choice to make: do they invest more or let others take their place? Now, as per this latest Q&A session by The Athletics, when asked about Kyle Schwarber’s future, this insider dropped his thoughts. “They want to see how many clubs are interested in a DH who will be 33 next season. Phillies will let the market for Schwarber develop, then match it.”
Now, this seems strange. He is a player who has a batting average of .240 and a .372 on-base percentage with an OPS of .896. But the Phillies’ front office is looking at the big picture. However, his teammate knows his value. Yup, talking about Bryce Harper. A few weeks ago, while talking with MLB, he said, “I hope he doesn’t get [to free agency]. He’s a guy that we can use for the next few years.”
The Phillies are currently at a crossroads. On one side, it’s their ace backing up another prominent talent. On the contrary, there are statistics and economics, so be careful with aging DHs and build your lineup. It’s a decision that requires urgent attention from the front office because there are teams like the Reds, Rangers, Cubs, and maybe the Red Sox who can vouch for it.
There are ongoing inconsistencies, and Harper is being sidelined due to injury, although he can return anytime soon. But things aren’t in favor of the team.
Phillies’ June slump exposes cracks
The Phillies were doing well in the NL East until June, when they hit a rough patch. In early June, they had a rough patch where they lost nine of ten games, including a sweep by the bad Pittsburgh Pirates. In that time, they only hit .187, got on base .239, and slugged .320. The offense struggled, scoring only eight runs in five games, getting 55 hits in almost 300 at-bats, and striking out an astounding 68 times. This turned a division lead into a 4.5-game deficit behind the Mets.
Bryce Harper’s absence is at the center of the team’s instability. He had already missed games because of an elbow problem, and now the wrist inflammation put him back on the IL. The team is clearly missing him. And not only him, but the suspension of Jose Alvarados has also left a gap in the pitching.
It’s not like they are just losing. They won a 5–2 triumph in Miami, but those wins are not consistent. Greg Portman of MotorcycleSports says that the club still appears like they may win, but their offense has been inconsistent, and leaks in the bullpen have made things even more tense. Three crucial bats—Harper, Turner, and Schwarber—have tried to keep things on track, but without consistent production and injury, Philly has fallen.
Rob Thomson has said that Harper is almost fully healed and might return at any time. The big question is, Will Harper’s return to form provide a boost to a lineup that has struggled at the plate? Or will the Phillies be desperate when the trade deadline comes, believing that smart trades may fill the holes that injuries and slumps have made clear?
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