Kyle Schwarber knows what is role is in the big leagues: he is supposed to smash a bunch of home runs. The Philadelphia Phillies slugger has done that job to great effect, hitting 30 dingers or more in seven different seasons. If the consequences of meeting that valuable objective is a low batting average and high strikeout rate, then much of the modern baseball world will learn to accept it.

Fans can justifiably argue that there is too much of an emphasis placed on exit velocity and power, but they cannot deny the impact that Schwarber has had during his 11-year MLB run. The three-time All-Star and 2022 Silver Slugger left his latest mark in Friday night's showdown with the New York Yankees. He notched his 1,000th career hit, and did so in fitting fashion.

Schwarber muscled a 413-foot homer off right-hander Will Warren in the fifth inning, tying the game at two runs apiece. Not a bad way to reach a milestone. Making the occasion even more poetic is that the 32-year-old is the exact type of player the Yankees had long coveted. They were even linked to him in the past. Schwarber has found a home in Philly, though.

He was not finished tormenting The Bronx, blasting another two-run shot to give his club an 8-5 lead in the eighth. Schwarber has now launched 167 home runs with the franchise, forming a strong bond with a fan base that is not easy to please.

Despite his limitations as a ballplayer, No. 12's arrival in 2022 preceded a superb stretch that has included a World Series appearance and National League East title. Yes, the Phillies have stumbled in the previous two Octobers, but Kyle Schwarber has helped position them for consistent success. Philadelphia's championship window may be shrinking fast, though.

Will Kyle Schwarber stay with Phillies?

The swing-off hero and 2025 All-Star Game MVP is set to enter free agency after this season concludes. He will command a significant salary, even if it comes with less years. Fans surely want ownership to retain this big bat, and that could be easier to do if the Phillies (58-44) bounce back in the playoffs in 2025.

Schwarber is now batting .255 with 36 long balls, 82 RBIs, a .381 on-base percentage and .582 slugging percentage. This left-handed designated hitter is not looking like an all-or-nothing player this season. He has an excellent chance at finishing in the top-1o for MVP voting for the first time in his career. Beyond his individual contributions, however, this version of Schwarber could help lift the Phillies back to the top of the Senior Circuit.

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