Hold onto your hats, baseball fans, because the offseason is heating up with a blockbuster deal on the horizon! Philadelphia Phillies’ slugger Kyle Schwarber is projected to ink a jaw-dropping $145 million contract in free agency, and this has the entire MLB world buzzing. While Schwarber might not take home the National League MVP title this year, his 2025 season was nothing short of legendary, proving he’s a force to be reckoned with—even giving two-way phenom Shohei Ohtani a run for his money. But here’s where it gets controversial: Can a full-time designated hitter truly command such a massive payday? Let’s dive in.
Schwarber’s 2025 campaign was historic, to say the least. He slashed an impressive .240/.365/.563, led the National League with 56 home runs, and topped the MLB with 132 RBIs. These numbers weren’t just good—they shattered his previous career highs of 47 home runs and 104 RBIs. Even as a DH, Schwarber’s bat speaks for itself, making him one of the most sought-after free agents this offseason.
But here’s the part most people miss: The market for a full-time DH is tricky. Some teams, like the Dodgers, might not even have a spot for him, while others are hesitant to shell out big bucks for a player who doesn’t take the field. Is Schwarber’s bat worth $145 million? The Athletic’s Tim Britton thinks so, projecting a five-year, $145 million deal based on past contracts. Britton points out that Shohei Ohtani’s MVP-winning 2024 season elevated the value of the DH position, and Schwarber’s 2025 performance was his most dominant yet.
Britton draws a comparison to J.D. Martinez’s 2018 deal with the Red Sox, which paid him $22 million per year at the peak of his career. Adjusted for inflation, that contract would be closer to $29 million today. Could Schwarber surpass $30 million annually? Britton believes a five-year deal at Martinez’s adjusted rate is within reach. But here’s the kicker: Will the Phillies step up to the plate, or will Schwarber have to look elsewhere for the payday he’s earned?
The Phillies’ front office has been vocal about their desire to keep Schwarber, with president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski stating, ‘We’d love to bring Kyle Schwarber back. It’s a priority for us.’ But as we all know, money talks. And this is where it gets even more intriguing: Is Schwarber worth the investment, or are teams better off spending elsewhere? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—do you think Schwarber deserves this massive deal, or is the market overvaluing a DH?
For all the latest MLB news and rumors, stay tuned to Newsweek Sports. The offseason is just getting started, and this Schwarber saga is one you won’t want to miss!
