The Philadelphia Phillies failed to win the World Series last season, and now Kyle Schwarber is a free agent. Schwarber is one of the best players on the open market, and plenty of teams could be bidding for his services.
The Phillies may be willing to outbid everyone to keep Schwarber around, throwing all concerns about age out the window. However, if that is not the case, the team will need to find a way to replace his production. That is easier said than done, and the Phillies may have to add multiple players to do so.
In free agency, a player like Kyle Tucker could make sense, but the price tag for him may get too high. If the Phillies lose Schwarber and explore the trade market, MLB insider Bob Nightengale listed Fernando Tatis Jr. as potentially available. FanSided’s Christopher Kline urged Dave Dombrowski to swing a trade for Tatis if the Phillies lose Schwarber on the open market.
“The Phillies need slugging, especially with Kyle Schwarber and JT Realmuto both, also, free agents,” wrote Kline on Monday. “If Schwarber leaves in particular, that puts immense pressure on Dave Dombrowski to deliver another impact bat. And Tatis’ contract, while exorbitant in length, is rather light on annual value at the moment — certainly within Philadelphia’s price range. As such, the Phillies are worth keeping tabs on here. Big Dave is overdue for a big swing.”
Tatis would not only bring elite production to Philadelphia, but he would also help solve the Phillies’ outfield dilemma. The team has lacked great production from its outfield recently, and even traded for Harrison Bader to help solve the problem last year. Tatis is a long-term solution, but he is not cheap.
Tatis has nine years and a total of $292 million remaining on his contract. He is set to make $20.7 million next season, $25.7 million in 2027 and 2028 and then $36.7 million in the final six seasons. However, his salary over the next three years is actually a bargain given the type of player he is.
He is a three-time All-Star who has won two Platinum Gloves in right field. Realistically, there are no available hitters who can replicate Schwarber’s power. Tatis and his .868 career OPS may be the next best thing, however.
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