NEWSLETTER
After the big news of the morning – Seiya Suzuki is reportedly signing with the Chicago Cubs – the free agent outfield market is accelerating. And one of the hottest names out there – Kyle Schwarber – may have his new deal in place with the Philadelphia Phillies.
Phillies making progress on free agent Kyle Schwarber, sources tell @TheAthletic.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) March 16, 2022
Phillies have an agreement with Kyle Schwarber, pending all the usual stuff
— Jim Salisbury (@JimSalisbury215) March 16, 2022
It seems possible that Suzuki’s signing has shaken things loose – at least for Schwarber. Which, yes, is a little disappointing, given that the guy who was early on the Cubs-Seiya connection last night and this morning, David Kaplan, actually threw the Cubs hat into the ring for Schwarber less than 14 hours ago. I admit, I let myself start dreaming about the Cubs landing both. Maybe that rumor was for more leverage against Suzuki? Maybe it was always an either/or thing? Either way, the Cubs still need to add another bat and/or some left-handed power to this lineup.
The Phillies aggressively pursued Kyle Schwarber before the lockout. He has a deal in place to reunite with hitting coach Kevin Long in Philly, as @JSalisburyNBCS said.
Schwarber in 91 career games in NL East ballparks: 32 home runs. That would be 57 homers in a 162-game season.
— Robert Murray (@ByRobertMurray) March 16, 2022
As for the potential market implications, the immediate one that comes to mind is Kris Bryant. Philadelphia (or maybe just Bryce Harper) has been courting Kris Bryant to the Phillies all winter, but the addition of Schwarber would probably put a stop to that. That could increase the pressure on Bryant to sign with one of his other interested teams in Seattle or Colorado.
More details when we have them.
UPDATE: A deal in the four-year, $80M range is a really nice bag for Schwarber, who was non-tendered by the Cubs just a year ago.
#Phillies deal with Kyle Schwarber, pending physical, is a 4-year agreement with an AAV just under $20 million per year, sources tell The Athletic.
@JSalisburyNBCS was on this
— Jayson Stark (@jaysonst) March 16, 2022
UPDATE: That was correct. $79 million over four years. Good for him.
Kyle Schwarber Phillies deal is $79M, 4 years
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) March 16, 2022
