Kyle Schwarber makes honest admission about 2026 Phillies

Philadelphia Phillies star Kyle Schwarber has played a crucial role in helping the team turn its season around. The Phillies struggled early in the 2026 campaign, but they are entering the All-Star break sitting only two games behind the first place Atlanta Braves. Before Monday’s Home Run Derby — which Schwarber is participating in — the slugger commented on the Phillies’ overall season during an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show.

“We feel pretty good about where we’re at,” Schwarber said. “Especially from where we started. We were 9-19 to start the year off. Lot of adversity kind of happened… They let (manager Rob Thomson) go, then we turned it around and put ourselves in a really good position. I think we’re only a couple games out of the division lead.”

The Phillies have played much better baseball over the past couple of months. They had found success with Thomson in previous years, but the Phillies’ decision to go in a different direction after their difficult start has worked out. Interim manager Don Mattingly has led the ball club to an overall improved performance.

Schwarber has led the way from a performance standpoint. Everyone around the MLB world knows Shohei Ohtani is going to win the National League MVP given what he does on the mound and at the plate. Schwarber could still be an NL MVP finalist, though.

The Phillies All-Star is currently hitting .254/.367/.560 to go along with a .927 OPS and a league leading 32 home runs. Schwarber finished second in NL MVP voting last year, and he may accomplish that feat again this year.

Kyle Schwarber reacts to Philadelphia hosting All-Star events

Philadelphia is also hosting the Home Run Derby and MLB All-Star Game this year. Schwarber addressed the excitement around that as well.

“Just for us here, it’s gonna be so freaking cool just to see all of the fans here tonight,” Schwarber said. “We get to see it on a pretty regular basis, what they bring electricity-wise to us. For it to be on display for the national stage is going to be pretty cool.”

The Phillies have a passionate fanbase. While fans of all teams will attend the events, there will surely be plenty of Philadelphia fans at Citizens Bank Park.

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