Assessing the Kyle Schwarber to Phillies Rumor

Free agent Kyle Schwarber has been linked to the Philadelphia Phillies this offseason, but what could it take for the team to land him?

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Kyle Schwarber is a free agent that is reportedly on the Philadelphia Phillies' radar, along with his former teammate Kris Bryant, Chris Taylor, and Nick Castellanos.

According to MLB Network Insider Jon Heyman, Schwarber's market is large at the moment, as the team that acquired him from the Washington Nationals at the trade deadline in the Boston Red Sox, Miami Marlins, and Colorado Rockies are all in on the 2021 All-Star.

Heyman linked Schwarber to the Phillies earlier this offseason, since the 2016 World Series champ is connected to the club through his old hitting coach Kevin Long, who he worked with while with the Nationals.

Long has been credited with helping Schwarber get his swing back, and he had 32 homers in 2021 to show for it, including tying a MLB modern record with 12 homers in 10 games between June 19-29.

Aside from his ties to Long, Schwarber would make sense for the Phillies in two possible scenarios. If the designated hitter makes its way to the National League, Schwarber could see a bulk of games in that spot in the lineup, splitting time with the likes of Rhys Hoskins, Bryce Harper, or J.T. Realmuto. The 28-year-old could also replace the 35-year-old Andrew McCutchen in left field, since Cutch elected free agency and is unlikely to return. 

Should the Phillies not want to spend top dollar for Bryant or Castellanos, as they are still in the hunt for a closer, Schwarber would come at a cheaper price and still fill one of their needs in the outfield. Additionally, he could satisfy Philadelphia's need for a lead-off man. He tried his hand at batting lead-off with the Nationals in 2021, and found some success, as he batted .297/.385/.832 with 17 homers.

Schwarber has been projected to sign at least a three-year deal with an average annual value between $15 million and $17 million. For example, MLB Trade Rumors projected a four-year, $70 million deal for the slugger. Whereas Bryant as been projected anywhere between six years/$160 million and eight years/$200 million, and Castellanos at seven or eight years for $150 million.

More From SI's Inside The Phillies:

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