The Philadelphia Phillies misplaced a gut-wrenching Sport 4 in opposition to the Los Angeles Dodgers in additional innings.
Whereas this loss marked the tip of Philadelphia’s baseball season, it additionally might have been the ultimate sport 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 At 32 years outdated, he stays one among this offseason’s prime free brokers.
Schwarber’s 340 profession residence 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 might resolve to maneuver Nick Castellanos into a delegated hitter position, however that places extra stress on the membership to search out an growing old veteran like Cody Bellinger.
With Bryce Harper beneath 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 Discipline. Necessary Credit score: Matt Marton-Imagn Photos The Cubs have confirmed to the baseball world that they’re a drive to be reckoned with after they compelled the Milwaukee Brewers to a deciding Sport 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 might permit the Cubs to reunite with Schwarber, one of many heroes of the 2016 World Sequence 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 residence run within the first inning in opposition to the Kansas Metropolis Royals at Progressive Discipline. Necessary Credit score: David Richard-Imagn Photos The Guardians usually are not identified to spend cash — ever.
Nonetheless, José Ramírez seems to be making use of stress to possession and the entrance workplace to compete throughout his prime. At 33 years outdated, Ramírez continues to be taking part in nice baseball.
Cleveland’s lineup was anemic, but they nonetheless discovered a strategy to make noise within the postseason. Including a respectable bat like Schwarber would preserve Ramírez completely happy and assist the Guardians grow to be a extra critical menace 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 residence run in opposition to the Chicago Cubs through the sixth inning at Wrigley Discipline. Necessary Credit score: David Banks-Imagn Photos When the Reds employed Terry Francona as their supervisor, they informed the whole baseball world that they have been able to get critical.
The Reds barely missed the playoffs this season. At 66 years outdated, Francona most likely solely has just a few years left in his managerial profession.
Pairing Schwarber with Elly De La Cruz can be one of the crucial enjoyable and highly effective combos 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 through the eighth inning in opposition to the Los Angeles Dodgers at Petco Park. Necessary Credit score: Denis Poroy-Imagn Photos 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 an excellent greater which means with Schwarber on the town.
