In many ways, Kyle Schwarber is one of the most interesting free agents this offseason.
The 32-year-old left-handed slugger is coming off a career year with the Phillies, when he hit a career-high 56 home runs, as well as setting personal-best marks with a 150 OPS+ and 4.9 Wins Above Replacement (FanGraphs). Schwarber, a full-time designated hitter, is widely expected to receive a contract north of $100 million, which is unfamiliar territory for a DH that will turn 33 before Opening Day next year.
As the Winter Meetings begin in Orlando, here is the latest on where things stand with Schwarber.
The Pirates are serious players for Schwarber
Much has been made about the Pirates, a notoriously conservative team when it comes to major splashes in free agency, being much more active this offseason. With seven straight losing seasons and a decade of no postseason appearances, the Pirates are looking to change things with a potential generational talent in Paul Skenes in the fold.
What better way to bolster an MLB-worst offense in 2025 — the Pirates finished last in runs, home runs and OPS — than adding Schwarber to the lineup? According to The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal (subscription required), the Pirates have offered a four-year deal to Schwarber, which is presumably north of $100 million. That’s significant considering the Pirates have only handed out one $100-plus million contract ($106.75 million contract extension to Bryan Reynolds), with their biggest free-agent deal being a $39 million deal for Francisco Liriano in 2014.
A return to Philly is still on the table
Schwarber was an invaluable hitter and member of the clubhouse for the Phillies from 2022-25, so it should come as no surprise that a return to Philadelphia is still a possibility. But according to a Nov. 25 report from MLB.com’s Todd Zolecki, the two sides were not close to a deal at that time. Of course, roughly two weeks have passed since then, but we haven’t received any indication that a Schwarber return to Philadelphia is imminent.
In his four seasons with the Phillies, Schwarber crushed 187 home runs with an .856 OPS and saved his best season for last, finishing second in NL MVP voting in 2025 behind the Dodgers’ Shohei Ohtani.
Unsurprisingly, there is plenty of other interest in Schwarber’s services. One of those teams is the Phillies’ NL East-rival Mets.
According to a recent report from ESPN’s Jeff Passan, the Mets are “in the mix” for Schwarber. New York, of course, is also trying to retain longtime first baseman Pete Alonso, who hit free agency for the second straight offseason.
There’s also the Reds, who, like the Pirates, have not traditionally been big spenders. Multiple sources confirmed to MLB.com last week that the Reds were in pursuit of Schwarber, who is from nearby Middletown, Ohio, and grew up going to Great American Ball Park.
Beyond those clubs, the Red Sox and Orioles are possible suitors for Schwarber, according to MLB Network insider Jon Heyman’s report in the New York Post (subscription required). The Giants could also be in play for the slugger, according to MLB Network insider Jon Paul Morosi.
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