As nine-figure contracts increasingly become the benchmark that players and agents aim for in negotiations, Philadelphia Phillies designated hitter Kyle Schwarber could be next in line to secure a $100 million deal.
According to ESPN’s Jeff Passan, Schwarber possesses all the qualities to justify such a contract. Passan sees him as part of the upcoming wave of players likely to command nine-figure deals, suggesting that it would be entirely reasonable for Schwarber to earn over $100 million, with an average annual salary of at least $25 million.
“A designated hitter approaching age 33 landing a nine-figure deal might seem unusual, but Schwarber defies norms in many ways,” Passan wrote. “He consistently produces at a high level and is a standout leader in the clubhouse. Given the current market and scarcity of elite bats, a four-year, $25 million-per-year contract wouldn’t raise eyebrows.”
Can Kyle Schwarber Get His Wish to Stay in Philadelphia?
Kyle Schwarber is entering the final year of his four-year, $79 million contract with the Philadelphia Phillies, earning $20 million in 2025, according to Spotrac. With free agency looming, the Phillies must decide whether to offer him an extension during the season or risk losing him afterward.
Schwarber has expressed his desire to remain in Philadelphia, noting back in February that he hoped for a new deal sooner rather than later.
“We’ll see,” he told MLB.com. “There’s interest on our side. We’ll find out during camp if they want to start serious talks.”
He emphasized that winning is the best path to securing a new contract, echoing advice he once received from Jon Lester: “The best way to get paid is to win – so I will just focus on that. It’s what I have always focused on.”
Will Phillies Keep Their Veteran Core Together?
The Philadelphia Phillies came close to advancing further but fell short in the 2024 National League Division Series, losing to the New York Mets. Kyle Schwarber is hopeful the team can make a deeper run in 2025.
“I think the additions we’ve made are high-quality,” Schwarber said. “We did lose some good players, but ultimately, it’s up to us. We know we’ve got a strong team.”
Schwarber believes the consistency of the team’s core gives them a real shot at winning it all this year.
“Our core group has mostly stayed the same for the past three or four years, so we’re well aware of our capabilities,” he said. “We’re not surprising anyone anymore—everyone knows our lineup, our pitching staff, and our bullpen. Now it’s on us to figure out how to get to where we want to be.”
If Schwarber doesn’t sign an extension, he’s expected to be one of the top free agents on the market this offseason.
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