The Philadelphia Phillies have built a commanding lead in the NL East behind their group of proven veterans, but one power bat has risen above the rest.
Designated hitter Kyle Schwarber, playing out the final year of his contract, is producing at a career-best level and inserting himself into the MVP conversation. While Shohei Ohtani remains the favorite for that honor, Schwarber is boosting his value for what will almost certainly be a massive new deal.
Philadelphia fans would love to see that deal keep him in red pinstripes, but there’s always the chance he signs elsewhere as his price continues to climb. If that happens, ESPN’s Jeff Passan floated an intriguing alternative: the Phillies could pursue Chicago Cubs star Kyle Tucker.
“The Phillies could badly use a big bat in the corner outfield, especially if Schwarber leaves,” Passan noted, adding that Philadelphia, San Francisco, and Chicago are all expected to pursue Tucker. “The market always finds the very best players.”
Adding Tucker would address one of the Phillies’ most glaring weaknesses by giving them a true everyday outfielder. But he would come at a steep cost—even if Schwarber’s contract is off the books.
Passan projected Tucker’s next deal at roughly $400 million. Still, he might be the only free agent capable of softening the blow for fans if Schwarber departs.
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