The Philadelphia Phillies sit comfortably at the top of the NL East with a stellar 74-53 record. But as the regular season inches towards closure, another free agency period is looming above their head. One of their offensive powerhouse, Kyle Schwarber, is in the final season of his four-year, $79 million contract.

As MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand wrote, Schwarber “has the ability to play left field on occasion, but he’s essentially a full-time DH.” This highlights defensive limitations, and it could make the front office think twice before any massive deal. And as the final extension talk is yet to happen, we can say his future in Philadelphia is still not guaranteed.

Now, in a situation like that, and because the Phillies didn’t make any moves during the last free agency period, can we expect they can make a splash this time? Only time can tell, but Feinsand listed the Phillies as a “potential fit” for Red Sox third baseman Alex Bregman in a recent article ranking the top upcoming free agents. This move would be a massive boost for Bryce Harper and the entire lineup. Feinsand wrote, “After waiting out the winter for the right deal, Bregman signed a three-year, $120 million pact with the Red Sox… it won’t be a shock if he opts out in search of a longer deal.” He then listed the “Potential fits: Phillies, Red Sox, Tigers.”

Feinsand continued, “Injuries have limited Bregman to only 81 games this season, but he’s performed well when he’s played.” Feinsand is almost certain that Bregman would test the market this winter. So he wrote, “so it won’t be a shock if he opts out in search of a longer deal.”

Bregman is hitting .309/.393/.540 in 311 at-bats and posted a .917 OPS with 16 homers, and it was his fourth straight season with an fWAR of at least 4.0.

Why Does Alex Bregman Make Sense For Philly?

So, do the Phillies even need an infielder? The answer is Yes. Present third baseman Alec Bohm has been a league-average player with a slash line of .282/.330/.399. In his last two seasons, he hit a decent 35 homers combinedly. His 98 OPS+ shows he is 2 percent lower than the average league hitter in offense. And with 0 OAA, his defense is also average. His productions can easily be replaced by Bregman.

This decision will take a more critical turn, considering several key players becoming free agents for the Phillies. Beyond Schwarber, J.T. Realmuto, and ace lefty Ranger Suárez will also hit the free agency market in the coming offseason. And the front office cannot afford to keep everyone.

So, if the Phillies let Schwarber walk, and Bregman’s price became so hefty as MLBTR already reported, “Even on a five-year deal, Bregman would have a case for $150MM or more. Six years could very well be attainable, as could $200M.”  The Phillies can also target other options like Kyle Tucker, Cody Bellinger, and even former All-Star Austin Hays at a more affordable price rate.

And finally, the conversation can come back to Schwarber as he is having his career year with the  NL leading 45 home runs and 109 RBIs. And it was his 3rd  40+ homers season in the last four years. So, it will be a painful decision to let him go. But signing Bregman will provide long-term flexibility and possibly free the DH spot for an aging Bryce Harper near future.