As nine-figure contracts become increasingly common in Major League Baseball, Philadelphia Phillies designated hitter Kyle Schwarber may be in line to secure a deal worth $100 million or more.
According to ESPN’s Jeff Passan, Schwarber possesses all the qualities needed to justify such a significant contract. He believes Schwarber is part of the next wave of players capable of reaching that financial benchmark. Passan stated it would be entirely reasonable for Schwarber to earn a deal exceeding $100 million, with a yearly salary around $25 million.
“A designated hitter approaching age 33 securing a $100 million contract? Schwarber’s already unique in many ways, so why not here too?” Passan wrote. “He consistently delivers at the plate, is a respected clubhouse presence, and a four-year, $25 million-per-year deal is more than justifiable—especially in a market short on elite hitters.”
Schwarber is currently finishing a four-year, $79 million contract with the Phillies and is due to make $20 million in 2025. With his deal expiring, the Phillies must decide whether to extend his contract during the season or risk losing him in free agency.
In a February interview with MLB.com, Schwarber expressed his desire to remain in Philadelphia and hoped contract discussions would happen sooner rather than later.
“We’ll see,” Schwarber said. “There’s definitely interest on our end. We’ll find out if deeper talks happen during camp.”
He emphasized that winning is the best way to earn a new contract.
“Jon Lester once told me the best way to get paid is to win,” Schwarber said. “That’s where my focus is—it always has been.”
After falling short in the 2024 NLDS against the New York Mets, Schwarber is optimistic about the team’s potential in 2025.
“I think we’ve added some strong pieces,” Schwarber said. “Of course, we lost some talented guys, but it’s on us to perform. We know we’ve got a good team.”
Schwarber believes the core group, which has been intact for several seasons, is ready to win it all.
“We’ve had largely the same group for three or four years now. We know what we’ve got, and so does the rest of the league. Now it’s up to us to get where we want to go.”
If the Phillies don’t lock Schwarber into a new deal, he’s expected to be one of the most in-demand free agents this offseason.
Leave a Reply