MLB Rumors: Kyle Schwarber’s Phillies Future Confirmed as Dave Dombrowski Targets $300M Slugger from Japan

The Phillies are facing a fascinating offseason, with Kyle Schwarber’s looming free agency intersecting with the possibility of a pursuit of a Japanese star. Schwarber has been the face of the Phillies’ offense all season, putting the star firmly in the NL MVP interaction, however, now Schwarber’s future has been tied to the largest international free agent in baseball history.

At the same time, Munetaka Murakami’s dominance in Japan has been nothing short of historic. As per Fansided’s Jake Elman, “Given the context of the Central League’s hitting trends, Murakami’s power numbers read like putting a player’s skills up to 99 overall.” From 2019–24, Munetaka Murakami averaged 37 home runs, delivering a single-season record of 56 in 2022. Only Kazuma Okamoto joined Munetaka Murakami in surpassing 30-plus homers in current years, further highlighting the star’s rare power. Entering Thursday, the former star of Tokyo Yakult Swallows was hitting .310 with 17 homers, 31 RBIs and a 1.081 OPS across 177 plate appearances. Such a dominance on the field has drawn significant MLB attention, with Mets president David Stearns and Padres A.J. Preller scouting the star in person. Preller was present when he launched three home runs last weekend.

Although the Phillies do not have a good track record of signing Japanese stars, Murakami makes plenty of sense. As Jake Elman highlighted, “Alec Bohm only has one year of team control left and, outside of last year’s All-Star season, is mostly a replacement-level player. Murakami certainly sounds worth the risk, even more so if Kyle Schwarber departs in free agency”. Adding the Japanese star could quickly solidify third base and inject generational power into the team’s lineup. For the team looking to enhance its World Series window, it is a gamble worth considering.

However, what about Kyle Schwarber himself? As per Jon Heyman, the Phillies are not prepared to lose him. Writing for the New York Post, the insider said, “The Phillies want to keep their MVP candidate.” Such a decision comes as Schwarber is going to become 33, positioning himself for what could be the final massive payday of his career. Schwarber’s capability to play every day, lead in clutch situations and act as a “glue guy” inside the team makes the star more than just a slugger with gaudy numbers.

ESPN’s Jeff Passan added weight to that sentiment and highlighted Kyle Schwarber’s intangibles alongside the star’s elite production. “He plays every day — literally all 139 of the Phillies’ games — and in late and close situations this year is OPSing 1.244, nearly 100 points higher than the next-best hitter, Ohtani,” Passan said. Jeff Passan also praised the Phillies star’s leadership, describing Schwarber as “a font of knowledge whose interpersonal acuity makes him invaluable in a clubhouse.” Concerns related to his strikeouts and defensive limitations will linger, however, insiders think that Schwarber’s total package will still trigger a bidding war.

The vital concern now is how Dave Dombrowski balances Kyle Schwarber’s retention with a pursuit of the Japanese star. Industry estimates highlight that the 25-year-old slugger could ask between $200 million and $300 million, adopting the footsteps of Yoshinobu Yamamoto. If the Phillies go all-in on Murakami, it will not be cheap, however, with Bohm’s long-period role uncertain and the management determined to push this core toward another pennant, the team could have no choice but to target big on the 2 fronts.

However, Murakami is not the only powerful upgrade linked to the team. Another intriguing trade target has currently surfaced, one who could solve a long-standing issue in the team’s outfield.

Could the Phillies make a push for Steven Kwan?

Fansided’s Matt Grazel floated the thought of the Phillies pursuing the Guardians’ Steven Kwan, an underrated star in the game. Kwan, who turns 28 in September, has won three straight Gold Gloves and is the toughest out in MLB, consistently ranking among the best contact hitters in baseball. For the Phillies, who have struggled to find stability in left field, Steven Kwan’s bat-to-ball capability and elite defense would be a perfect fit.

Of course, the concern is whether the Guardians would make Steven Kwan available. The team is facing uncertainty on the field and off it and dealing with continuous turbulence, containing closer Emmanuel Clase’s legal issues. While moving Kwan would be shocking, insiders think transformation could be on the horizon for the team.. If so, the Phillies need tl be at the front of the line, as Kwan highlights the type of all-around star who could balance the Phillies’ power-heavy lineup and solidify their defense for seasons to come.

The Phillies face a pivotal offseason with Kyle Schwarber’s free agency coming quickly, Munetaka Murakami drawing international attention and Steven Kwan emerging as a surprise trade candidate. Whether Dave Dombrowski spends enough and pulls off a blockbuster, the message is clear—the Phillies can not stand still.