The Philadelphia Phillies misplaced a gut-wrenching Recreation 4 in opposition to the Los Angeles Dodgers in additional innings.
Whereas this loss marked the tip of Philadelphia’s baseball season, it additionally may have been the ultimate recreation that free agent designated hitter Kyle Schwarber ever performed with the Phillies.
In 2022, Schwarber inked a four-year deal value $79 million. At 32 years previous, he stays considered one of this offseason’s high free brokers.
Schwarber’s 340 profession house runs will make him a stellar comfort prize to the Pete Alonso sweepstakes this winter. Let’s check out the highest suitors.
1. Philadelphia Phillies
Whereas Schwarber may wish to check the waters of free company, he loves Philadelphia.
The Phillies may determine to maneuver Nick Castellanos into a chosen hitter position, however that places extra stress on the membership to search out an ageing veteran like Cody Bellinger.
With Bryce Harper underneath contract, the Phillies have a transparent rivalry window. Locking up Schwarber makes a ton of sense.
2. Chicago Cubs
Sep 24, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Cubs supervisor Craig Counsell (11) earlier than the sport in opposition to the New York Mets at Wrigley Area. Necessary Credit score: Matt Marton-Imagn Pictures The Cubs have confirmed to the baseball world that they’re a drive to be reckoned with once they pressured the Milwaukee Brewers to a deciding Recreation 5 within the NLDS.
The difficulty is that it looks as if a foregone conclusion that Kyle Tucker has his sights set on becoming a member of the Los Angeles Dodgers in free company this summer season.
That may permit the Cubs to reunite with Schwarber, one of many heroes of the 2016 World Collection victory, to capitalize on the brand new rivalry window they’ve created for themselves in Chicago.
3. Cleveland Guardians
Sep 9, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians third baseman Jose Ramirez (11) celebrates his solo house run within the first inning in opposition to the Kansas Metropolis Royals at Progressive Area. Necessary Credit score: David Richard-Imagn Pictures The Guardians aren’t recognized to spend cash — ever.
Nevertheless, José Ramírez seems to be making use of stress to possession and the entrance workplace to compete throughout his prime. At 33 years previous, Ramírez continues to be taking part in nice baseball.
Cleveland’s lineup was anemic, but they nonetheless discovered a method to make noise within the postseason. Including a authentic bat like Schwarber would hold Ramírez joyful and assist the Guardians turn out to be a extra severe risk in October.
4. Cincinnati Reds
Jun 1, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz (44) is greeted within the dugout after hitting two-run house run in opposition to the Chicago Cubs in the course of the sixth inning at Wrigley Area. Necessary Credit score: David Banks-Imagn Pictures When the Reds employed Terry Francona as their supervisor, they informed all the baseball world that they have been able to get severe.
The Reds barely missed the playoffs this season. At 66 years previous, Francona in all probability solely has just a few years left in his managerial profession.
Pairing Schwarber with Elly De La Cruz could be one of the crucial enjoyable and highly effective mixtures within the sport.
5. San Diego Padres
Aug 23, 2025; San Diego, California, USA; San Diego Padres third baseman Manny Machado (13) celebrates as he scores in the course of the eighth inning in opposition to the Los Angeles Dodgers at Petco Park. Necessary Credit score: Denis Poroy-Imagn Pictures The conquest for the Padres to overthrow the Dodgers in California — and the NL West — continues.
After a profitable 90-win season, the Padres faltered in opposition to the Cubs within the postseason. Slam Diego would definitely tackle a good larger which means with Schwarber on the town.