Kyle Schwarber doesn't slow down.
He remains one of the most dangerous power hitters in the game, a clear regret from years ago now when the Chicago Cubs let him get away.
He's been an immense slugger since joining the Philadelphia Phillies in 2022, and now he's got a big decision coming up.
Schwarber will be a free agent this offseason, and lots of teams will want his potent signature.
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MLB Trade Rumors writer Steve Adams thinks that Schwarber has earned himself an extra year by being a star again this season, likely adding up to a four-year contract worth approaching $100 million.
Here's more of what Adams wrote in his new article, which ranks Schwarber as the No. 8 available free agent in this class:
Statcast ranks Schwarber in the 99th or 100th percentile in each of the following categories: bat speed, average exit velocity, barrel rate, hard-hit rate, expected slugging percentage and expected wOBA.
Earlier in his career, the book on Schwarber was that lefties could get him out. That’s not the case anymore — far from it. Schwarber has been well above-average against lefties dating back to 2021, including a colossal .278/.394/.656 slash (186 wRC+) in left-on-left matchups this season. He’s a .242/.341/.468 hitter in his past 1059 plate appearances versus southpaws.
On top of the gaudy on-base numbers and nearly unmatched power output, Schwarber is a beloved clubhouse presence whose teammates and coaches rave about what he brings to the team off the field. He’s going to be 33 next March, and while some teams will want to keep him to a high-AAV three-year contract, the offensive contributions have reached a point where it’s hard to envision less than four years. A fifth year isn’t even completely out of the question, even though he’ll receive and reject a qualifying offer.
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Phillies fans want Schwarber back. He's been a favorite since he joined, the beloved, sturdy slugger who sometimes hits leadoff.
He creates a potent lefty-hitting punch with Bryce Harper.
But most teams will want Schwarber. His lack of a defensive position is irrelevant at this point. His bat in the lineup is the important part, and Schwarber doesn't look anywhere close to slowing down.
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