The Philadelphia Phillies are making another big wave in the offseason, as they have reportedly just made a deal with free-agent slugger Kyle Schwarber, according to Jon Heyman of the MLB Network.
Phillies and Kyle Schwarber have a deal @JSalisburyNBCS and @Ken_Rosenthal on it
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) March 16, 2022
Schwarber has been among the most intriguing free agents and apparently, it did not take long after the lockout ended before he finds a landing spot — this time with the Phillies, who could use another big bat around Bryce Harper.
The 29-year-old Schwarber is coming off a scintillating 2021 MLB season in which he played for the Washington Nationals and the Boston Red Sox, hitting 266/.374/.554 while also racking up career-highs in home runs (32) and OPS+ (154). Schwarber is versatile enough to play either as a catcher or outfielder, though he'll likely be serving the latter role with the Phillies, who could really use his efficiency to help Harper on offense. With Andrew McCutchen declining a $15 million option in 2022 with the Phillies, there's a spot that is open on the left field for Schwarber to fill in. Then again, with the application of the use of designated hitter for both leagues, Schwarber also could find himself regularly serving in that role for the Phillies.
Last season, the Phillies were just 18th in the majors with a .239 batting average, 13th in OBP (.318), and 14th in slugging (.408), while also missing the playoffs.
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