ORLANDO, FLA — The Philadelphia Phillies have reportedly secured the cornerstone of their offense, agreeing to a long-term deal with designated hitter Kyle Schwarber. According to ESPN’s Jeff Passan, the slugger will return to Philadelphia on a five-year, $150 million contract, officially taking him off the free-agent market and solidifying the heart of the Phillies’ powerful lineup for the foreseeable future.
The reported deal, which averages $30 million per season, comes after weeks of slow negotiations and interest from several other major market clubs, including the Boston Red Sox, New York Mets, and his hometown Cincinnati Reds. Ultimately, the Phillies’ willingness to commit to the fifth guaranteed year helped the deal solidify.
BREAKING: Slugger Kyle Schwarber and the Philadelphia Phillies are finalizing a five-year, $150 million contract, sources tell ESPN. The NL MVP runner-up, one of the best home run hitters and clubhouse leaders in baseball, is returning to Philadelphia.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) December 9, 2025
Report: Phillies Re-Sign Kyle Schwarber to Five-Year Deal
Ahead of the 2022 season, Schwarber inked a four-year, $79 million contract with the Phillies. He has since become a cornerstone of their offense, leading with elite power, exceptional on-base ability, and veteran experience. Schwarber has consistently ranked among MLB leaders in home runs and walks, emerging as one of the most feared designated hitters in the game.
Additionally, his postseason leadership and presence in a high-octane Phillies clubhouse have reinforced his reputation as a culture driver and tone-setter in competitive environments, which helped lead the Phillies to a National League Pennant in 2022.
The Schwarber Deal
Schwarber is coming off a career year in 2025, where he was the NL MVP runner-up after leading the National League with 56 home runs and posting an excellent .365 on-base percentage. The contract reflects the sustained value of his elite plate discipline and consistent, prodigious home-run output (having hit 46, 47, and 56 home runs over the last three full seasons).
Beyond the numbers, Schwarber is regarded as a critical clubhouse leader and a fan favorite, whose presence has been central to the team’s identity and recent success. Phillies President of Baseball Operations Dave Dombrowski prioritized retaining him despite the high price tag for a player who functions almost exclusively as a Designated Hitter.
The agreement allows the Phillies to shift their focus for the remainder of the Winter Meetings to bolstering the starting rotation or making additions to the bullpen.
Main Photo Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
