Oct 8, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Philadelphia Phillies designated hitter Kyle Schwarber (12) hits a solo home run during the fourth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers during game three of the NLDS round for the 2025 MLB playoffs at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images The Philadelphia Phillies lost a gut-wrenching Game 4 against the Los Angeles Dodgers in extra innings.
While this loss marked the end of Philadelphia’s baseball season, it also could have been the final game that free agent designated hitter Kyle Schwarber ever played with the Phillies.
In 2022, Schwarber inked a four-year deal worth $79 million. At 32 years old, he remains one of this offseason’s top free agents.
Schwarber’s 340 career home runs will make him a stellar consolation prize to the Pete Alonso sweepstakes this winter. Let’s take a look at the top suitors.
1. Philadelphia Phillies
While Schwarber might want to test the waters of free agency, he loves Philadelphia.
The Phillies could decide to move Nick Castellanos into a designated hitter role, but that puts more pressure on the club to find an aging veteran like Cody Bellinger.
With Bryce Harper under contract, the Phillies have a clear contention window. Locking up Schwarber makes a ton of sense.
2. Chicago Cubs
Sep 24, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell (11) before the game against the New York Mets at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images The Cubs have proven to the baseball world that they are a force to be reckoned with when they forced the Milwaukee Brewers to a deciding Game 5 in the NLDS.
The issue is that it seems like a foregone conclusion that Kyle Tucker has his sights set on joining the Los Angeles Dodgers in free agency this summer.
That would allow the Cubs to reunite with Schwarber, one of the heroes of the 2016 World Series victory, to capitalize on the new contention window they’ve created for themselves in Chicago.
3. Cleveland Guardians
Sep 9, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians third baseman Jose Ramirez (11) celebrates his solo home run in the first inning against the Kansas City Royals at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images The Guardians are not known to spend money — ever.
However, José Ramírez appears to be applying pressure to ownership and the front office to compete during his prime. At 33 years old, Ramírez is still playing great baseball.
Cleveland’s lineup was anemic, yet they still found a way to make noise in the postseason. Adding a legitimate bat like Schwarber would keep Ramírez happy and help the Guardians become a more serious threat in October.
4. Cincinnati Reds
Jun 1, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz (44) is greeted in the dugout after hitting two-run home run against the Chicago Cubs during the sixth inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images When the Reds hired Terry Francona as their manager, they told the entire baseball world that they were ready to get serious.
The Reds barely missed the playoffs this season. At 66 years old, Francona probably only has a few years left in his managerial career.
Pairing Schwarber with Elly De La Cruz would be one of the most fun and powerful combinations in the sport.
5. San Diego Padres
Aug 23, 2025; San Diego, California, USA; San Diego Padres third baseman Manny Machado (13) celebrates as he scores during the eighth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Denis Poroy-Imagn Images The conquest for the Padres to overthrow the Dodgers in California — and the NL West — continues.
After a successful 90-win season, the Padres faltered against the Cubs in the postseason. Slam Diego would certainly take on an even bigger meaning with Schwarber in town.
