The Philadelphia Phillies have signed power-hitter Kyle Schwarber to a four-year deal worth around $20 million per year. Schwarber joins the Phillies after splitting time between the Washington Nationals and Boston Red Sox last season. Schwarber marks the first big splash of the offseason for a Phillies team looking to make their first postseason appearance in a decade.
Kyle Schwarber is reportedly headed to the #Phillies ???? pic.twitter.com/bLThFaEP61
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) March 16, 2022
Schwarber hit 32 home runs last season while driving in 71 runs, and maintaining a .266 batting average. The left-handed power bat pulls most of his home runs, but can hit the ball on a line to any part of the field. He has been utilized as a leadoff hitter at different points in his career, including with both clubs last year.
Schwarber was named an all-star last season for his stellar play with Washington, but was recovering from a hamstring injury during all-star weekend. Prior to his injury, Schwarber had hit 16 home runs in 18 games, skyrocketing his trade value as Washington struggled.
The Red Sox acquired Schwarber at the deadline and let him recover until Aug. 13 when he made his debut. Schwarber was a key contributor in the Red Sox overperformance in last years playoffs, hitting three postseason home runs, including a grand-slam against the Houston Astros in the ALCS.
Schwarber has appeared in the postseason in six of his first seven seasons. He made history in 2016 when he was the first player in MLB history to record their first hit of the season in the World Series. Schwarber had seven hits during the Chicago Cubs first World Series championship in over a century.
The Phillies needed to be aggressive in trying to take this talented but incomplete roster to the next level. The Phillies have failed to make any significant damage since adding two of the game’s top bats in Bryce Harper and JT Realmuto. Schwarber provides an explosive bat who can contribute from multiple spots in the lineup.
The Phillies will have the option to utilize Schwarber as one of their first full-time designated hitters in team history. While Schwarber also spent time at catcher early in his career, he has not seen action there in years. He will also spend a significant portion of the season in left field, replacing Andrew McCutchen who signed with the Milwaukee Brewers.
[Photo: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports]