The Philadelphia Phillies misplaced a gut-wrenching Recreation 4 towards the Los Angeles Dodgers in additional innings.
Whereas this loss marked the top of Philadelphia’s baseball season, it additionally may have been the ultimate recreation that free agent designated hitter Kyle Schwarber ever performed with the Phillies.
In 2022, Schwarber inked a four-year deal value $79 million. At 32 years previous, he stays considered one of this offseason’s high free brokers.
Schwarber’s 340 profession dwelling runs will make him a stellar comfort prize to the Pete Alonso sweepstakes this winter. Let’s check out the highest suitors.
1. Philadelphia Phillies
Whereas Schwarber may need to take a look at the waters of free company, he loves Philadelphia.
The Phillies may determine to maneuver Nick Castellanos into a chosen hitter function, however that places extra strain on the membership to search out an growing older veteran like Cody Bellinger.
With Bryce Harper below contract, the Phillies have a transparent rivalry window. Locking up Schwarber makes a ton of sense.
2. Chicago Cubs
Sep 24, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Cubs supervisor Craig Counsell (11) earlier than the sport towards the New York Mets at Wrigley Subject. Obligatory Credit score: Matt Marton-Imagn Pictures The Cubs have confirmed to the baseball world that they’re a drive to be reckoned with once they pressured the Milwaukee Brewers to a deciding Recreation 5 within the NLDS.
The problem is that it looks as if a foregone conclusion that Kyle Tucker has his sights set on becoming a member of the Los Angeles Dodgers in free company this summer time.
That will enable the Cubs to reunite with Schwarber, one of many heroes of the 2016 World Sequence victory, to capitalize on the brand new rivalry window they’ve created for themselves in Chicago.
3. Cleveland Guardians
Sep 9, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians third baseman Jose Ramirez (11) celebrates his solo dwelling run within the first inning towards the Kansas Metropolis Royals at Progressive Subject. Obligatory Credit score: David Richard-Imagn Pictures The Guardians aren’t recognized to spend cash — ever.
Nonetheless, José Ramírez seems to be making use of strain to possession and the entrance workplace to compete throughout his prime. At 33 years previous, Ramírez continues to be taking part in nice baseball.
Cleveland’s lineup was anemic, but they nonetheless discovered a strategy to make noise within the postseason. Including a professional bat like Schwarber would preserve Ramírez pleased and assist the Guardians grow to be a extra critical risk in October.
4. Cincinnati Reds
Jun 1, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz (44) is greeted within the dugout after hitting two-run dwelling run towards the Chicago Cubs through the sixth inning at Wrigley Subject. Obligatory Credit score: David Banks-Imagn Pictures When the Reds employed Terry Francona as their supervisor, they informed your complete baseball world that they have been able to get critical.
The Reds barely missed the playoffs this season. At 66 years previous, Francona in all probability solely has a couple of years left in his managerial profession.
Pairing Schwarber with Elly De La Cruz can be probably the most enjoyable and highly effective mixtures within the sport.
5. San Diego Padres
Aug 23, 2025; San Diego, California, USA; San Diego Padres third baseman Manny Machado (13) celebrates as he scores through the eighth inning towards the Los Angeles Dodgers at Petco Park. Obligatory Credit score: Denis Poroy-Imagn Pictures The conquest for the Padres to overthrow the Dodgers in California — and the NL West — continues.
After a profitable 90-win season, the Padres faltered towards the Cubs within the postseason. Slam Diego would definitely tackle a fair larger that means with Schwarber on the town.
