Phillies Predicted to Keep $101 Million Superstar Slugger in Free Agency

The Philadelphia Phillies are as locked in on the here and now as any team in Major League Baseball, but free agency looms nonetheless.

In just over two months, a handful of key contributors for the Phillies will become free agents, with none more sought after than designated hitter Kyle Schwarber.

Though he’s approaching his age-33 season and offers virtually no defensive value, Schwarber’s bat is so potent that he could very well get a nine-figure contract. Spotrac currently projects him for a four-year, $101 million deal.

Will the Phillies ultimately be the team to give him that deal, be it $101 million or an even more impressive number?

On Tuesday, Bleacher Report’s Tim Kelly predicted that the Phillies would find a way to keep Schwarber, though the writer expected the competition to be fierce for the free agent class leader in OPS.

“Schwarber certainly has the Phillies over a barrel having hit a career-high 49 home runs in his contract year. But both Phillies managing partner John Middleton and president of baseball operations have reiterated a desire to retain Schwarber,” wrote Kelly.

“It will likely take four or five years — and probably fending off other suitors — but there would be a mutiny among the fanbase if the Phillies allow him to leave in free agency.”

Entering play on Tuesday, Schwarber was slashing .245/.366/.577 and leading the National League with 49 home runs. He leads all of baseball with 119 RBIs and is likely to finish runner-up to Shohei Ohtani for the Most Valuable Player Award.

That’s a lot to lose, but there’s also a heavy risk that comes with handing out yet another nine-figure contract. Just how high will the Phillies be willing to take the bidding?

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