Kyle Schwarber will be one of the hottest free agents this offseason. The 32-year-old designated hitter is coming off a career year, leading the National League with 56 home runs and 132 RBI in 2025. Even though he will be 33 when the 2026 season begins, he will easily command a four- to five-year contract worth $30 million annually. Here are six teams that will look to back up the Brinks truck for Schwarber.
Philadelphia Phillies
Schwarber has been the heart and soul of the Philadelphia Phillies franchise since 2022, becoming the leader of the clubhouse and helping to guide the team to four consecutive postseason appearances. The Phillies will do everything in their power to bring him back as they have already said he is their No. 1 priority this offseason. It would be a devastating blow to the organization if he leaves.
Cincinnati Reds
When the Phillies traveled to Cincinnati in August, the Reds put on a full-court press to recruit Schwarber, who grew up outside the city. The franchise had Schwarber’s dad and former youth baseball coach throw out first pitches to him before a game. The Reds would love to add his bat to a lineup featuring Elly De La Cruz, Noelvi Marte, Spencer Steer and Matt McLain. Could the pull of home bring Schwarber back?
New York Mets
This would be the Phillies’ worst nightmare — Schwarber leaving Philadelphia for National League East rival New York Mets. The Mets embarrassingly missed the postseason after having the best record in baseball at one point. Owner Steve Cohen will do whatever it takes to bring a World Series championship back to Queens, and signing Schwarber would move them closer, especially if the Mets lose Pete Alonso in free agency. A lineup of Schwarber, Francisco Lindor and Juan Soto would be incredibly dangerous.
San Diego Padres
The San Diego Padres need power, and Schwarber would fit that bill. The Padres finished 28th in baseball in home runs with just 152 in 2025. If you add Schwarber’s 56 home runs to San Diego’s totals, they would’ve finished in the top 10. General manager A.J. Preller isn’t afraid to make a free-agent splash, and adding Schwarber to anchor a lineup with Manny Machado, Fernando Tatis Jr. and Jackson Merrill could finally get San Diego over the hump.
Chicago Cubs
With the Chicago Cubs most likely losing Kyle Tucker in free agency, could they reunite with their old friend in Schwarber? The Cubs drafted Schwarber in the first round of the 2014 MLB Draft. In six seasons with Chicago, Schwarber cranked out 121 home runs and was part of the historic 2016 World Series championship team. If Tucker leaves, the Cubs will need to add offense, and who better than Schwarber?
Seattle Mariners
Even though the Seattle Mariners are two wins away from their first-ever World Series appearance, it’s never too early to discuss their offseason plans. With trade deadline acquisitions Eugenio Suarez and Josh Naylor both free agents, the Mariners could be searching for more offense if they leave. That’s where Schwarber could step in. He and Cal Raleigh — who hit 60 home runs himself this season — would form one of the most powerful middle-of-the-order combinations in baseball.
