The Philadelphia Phillies had one of the best 2025 regular seasons in a long time to raise hopes of a World Series. But their postseason run resembled a disappointing 2024 as they packed their bags after the divisional round against the Dodgers. With free agency looming, the team has pressure to improve the roster further. The first name that comes to mind is Kyle Schwarber.

As rumors suggest, Schwarber is reported to re-sign with the Phillies. But with another big name hitting free agency, the front office will have a decision to make. In his recent piece, Scott Lauber wrote, “Schwarber’s value goes beyond 187 homers in the last four seasons. He’s like Krazy Glue for the clubhouse, respected by veterans as well as young players. He sets the tone, with a voice as powerful as his bat.

“The expectation within the sport is Schwarber will seek five years, unprecedented for a DH who will be 33 next season. Maybe he’ll settle for four. Regardless, his annual salary will climb toward $30 million. But are the Phillies better off signing, say, 30-year-old Cody Bellinger at a similar price?… Just something to think about.”

Kyle Schwarber has been more than a slugger for the team since he first came to Philadelphia in 2022 on a 4 yrs/ $79,000,000 deal. But apart from shaping the clubhouse atmosphere with his leadership, his bat is irreplaceable for a DH. On the field, he smashed 56 home runs, drove in 121 RBIs, finishing with 4.8 bWAR.

Despite Schwarber’s historic offensive season, his impending free agency could cost the Phillies thirty million annually. At the same price, Cody Bellinger offers versatility, playing all outfield spots and first base effectively. Bellinger posted 5.0 bWAR in 2025, combining offense and defense, hitting .269 with 29 home runs. He strikes out less frequently than Schwarber, boasting a 13.7 percent rate and an impressive OPS of 1.016.

This is the third consecutive year when Bellinger was a well-above-average hitter, and he’s expected to test the open market for a more lucrative deal than his current three-year, $60 million deal. Moreover, one of Philadelphia’s biggest holes is center and left field, something that the 30-year-old can solve.

The Phillies’ decision will reflect their strategy: chase massive home runs or optimize lineup flexibility and defense.

Kyle Schwarber delivers power and fan excitement, while Bellinger enhances defense, plate discipline, and roster depth. Ultimately, their choice will shape Philadelphia’s identity, either embracing big-name sluggers or smart, versatile contributors. Both options excite fans, leaving the city to imagine a 2026 lineup built for contention and resilience.

For the team owner, John Middleton, the choice is simple.

“We love him. We want to keep him. We need no motivation whatsoever when it comes to Kyle Schwarber,” Middleton said in July. “He’s great. We thought he was great when we signed him years ago. We thought he’s great consistently during the years. There’s nothing Kyle does that surprises us.

“No matter how great he is, you expect that from Kyle. He’s a great person in the dugout. He’s a great person in the clubhouse. We don’t need any motivation whatsoever.”

Already, Schwarber has proven his worth for the team. He was the first Phillies player to be named All-Star MVP since Johnny Callison in 1964 this year. It was an extreme example of the power displays that Schwarber has put on regularly since 2022. He has hit 161 homers over the last four seasons, third-most in baseball behind Aaron Judge (192) and Shohei Ohtani (164).

No wonder the team had already extended an offer to him.

Reportedly, the Phillies had reached out to Schwarber’s camp for a possible extension during spring training itself. But with the slugger focused on the season preparation, he asked to table all contract conversations until after the season. However, it is not to deny what he wishes for his future.

“I’m just going to continue to be that way, and whatever happens, happens. Right?,” Schwarber told The Philadelphia Inquirer’s reporter Scott Lauber in February. “If I get to work out here and something gets done, that’s awesome. I want to… I would love that to happen. But if it doesn’t, I’m going to pour my heart and soul into this team just like I do every year and see what happens.”

Safe to say, his stance hasn’t changed after the season ended.

“Yeah, I mean, it doesn’t feel good,” Schwarber said after the team lost to the Dodgers. “You just make a lot of different relationships in the clubhouse, and you never know how it’s gonna work out, right? You just make so many personal relationships with guys, and you spend so much time with these guys throughout the course of a year, and they become family. And yeah, you just never know how it’s gonna go.”

Schwarber and Bellinger represent two very different paths, and Philly fans will watch anxiously. Either choice will define the city’s baseball drama, where hope and heartbreak always coexist vividly. But what if the team finally chooses to move on from their veteran?

If Kyle Schwarber leaves the Phillies, which team will land him?

The Philadelphia Phillies just spent four years watching Kyle Schwarber turn fastballs into fireworks, and now the inevitable question looms: Will he stick around or vanish into the free-agent sunset? Schwarber’s mammoth bat made Philly’s lineup sing, yet October ghosts still haunt them. The power-hitting DH isn’t just a player; he’s a commodity, and whichever team decides to open its checkbook this winter might just change the balance of power in the majors.

Kyle Schwarber’s four-year, $79 million deal with the Phillies produced 187 home runs, tied second-most. His 2025 season was historic, proving that elite power-hitting remains. Despite limited baserunning and postseason struggles, Schwarber’s bat carries undeniable value, making him a prime candidate for top-dollar free agency. Phillies fans feel the tension, knowing losing him could create a palpable void in October lineups.

The Red Sox present a compelling fit, needing Schwarber’s power after scoring just six postseason runs. Schwarber previously succeeded in Boston, matching on-base percentages and exceeding the power numbers of Rafael Devers, validating a reunion. The Mets could also benefit, with Pete Alonso leaving, leaving a major hole in their offensive lineup. Both teams can offer immediate impact, letting fans imagine sold-out stadiums electrified by Schwarber’s long ball dominance.

If they do bring Schwarber back, they are likely to face lesser competition. One of the reasons is that teams like the New York Yankees and the Dodgers are already equipped with players who solely play DH.

If Schwarber walks, the Phillies’ lineup might resemble a fireworks show with all fuses missing. Boston and New York fans are already dreaming of Schwarber turning fastballs into stadium-shaking moments. Wherever he lands, Kyle Schwarber’s bat will write the next chapter in October drama.