The first domino at the MLB Winter Meetings has officially fallen, and it comes in the form of a major victory for the Philadelphia Phillies. On Tuesday, the Phillies and star slugger Kyle Schwarber were finalizing a five-year, $150 million contract that will keep the left-handed power hitter in the City of Brotherly Love. The $30 million average annual value sets a new record for designated hitters.
Despite drawing significant interest from the New York Mets, Boston Red Sox, Baltimore Orioles, Pittsburgh Pirates, and even his hometown Cincinnati Reds, Schwarber remained a top priority for the Phillies. President of Baseball Operations Dave Dombrowski ultimately convinced the 32-year-old to stay in Philadelphia, where he has firmly established himself as an MVP-caliber force in the lineup.
Schwarber finished second in National League MVP voting last season, trailing only Shohei Ohtani, after posting a .240/.365/.563 slash line with 56 home runs and 132 RBIs. His 56 homers ranked second in all of baseball.
Across his 11-year MLB career, Schwarber has hit .231/.346/.500 with 340 home runs, 784 RBIs, and 800 runs scored. He has led the National League in home runs twice and has become one of the most feared left-handed bats in the sport.
Given his immense impact on the lineup, his leadership in the clubhouse, and his connection with the fan base, this was a move the Phillies simply could not afford not to make. Retaining Schwarber was an organizational priority.
The Phillies also made another notable move on Tuesday, extending manager Rob Thomson through the 2027 season. Thomson, a native of Sarnia, Ontario, has guided Philadelphia to four consecutive postseason appearances, two NL East titles, and a National League pennant during his tenure.
With Schwarber officially secured, Philadelphia will now likely shift its attention to catcher J.T. Realmuto. Though his performance has naturally tapered with age, Realmuto remains the premier backstop on the free-agent market and a stabilizing veteran presence in the Phillies’ clubhouse. A reunion between the two sides is widely expected.
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