Prediction of $100 million deal for star slugger: Jeff Passan suggests unconventional contract figure for Philadelphia Phillies' top hitter
Sizzling Kyle Schwarber sets MLB ablaze with independent million-dollar potential
The Phillies' designated hitter, Kyle Schwarber, is leaving jaws dropped in the 2025 season, making a name for himself in the high-rolling world of baseball contracts. ESPN's renowned analyst, Jeff Passan, recognized Schwarber as an astounding outlier in a column published on Tuesday.
"A designated hitter nearing 33 yrs old attracting a nine-figure deal? This could be Schwarber's unique realm too!" Passan wrote, highlighting the slugger's unwavering productivity and leadership on and off the field. He continued, "No one would blink at giving him $25 million annually, and a four-year bid - especially in a class lacking top-tier bats - is completely justifiable."
Passan's insights are well substantiated. Since joining the Phillies in 2022, Schwarber has consistently delivered impressive performance, boasting an .817 OPS or better in each of the past three seasons. His powerhouse hitting has resulted in no less than 38 HRs per season to date. Despite his high-strikeout tendencies, Schwarber also possesses a high walk rate and has displayed improved plate discipline in the 2025 season, lowering his strikeout percentage to 21.9% (a career low if sustained). Schwarber is currently on a 40-game on-base streak dating back to the previous season.
Furthermore, Schwarber rejected a contract extension during the offseason, hinting at his confidence in securing a more lucrative deal in the upcoming free agency market. Additionally, the Phillies lean heavily on Schwarber, with 21.7% of their HRs since 2022 being hit off Schwarber's bat [1][3].
While the Phillies' star outfielder, Bryce Harper, grapples with early-season challenges, and third baseman Alec Bohm struggles to find his stride, Schwarber has proved to be a consistent beacon of light for the team. Given his outstanding performance, it's plausible to assume that the Phillies would be eager to keep Schwarber in their ranks for the long haul and be prepared to offer a hefty financial package [3].
[1] The Athletic: Kyle Schwarber's new role with the Phillies could pay off big[2] The Ringer: The Phillies Failed to Match Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s Contract, but They Still Have a Chance[3] MLB Trade Rumors: Latest on Kyle Schwarber, Free Agent Announcements, Contract and Transaction Tracker[4] CBS Sports: Season update on Kyle Schwarber, Phillies powerhouse hitter
- The million-dollar potential of Kyle Schwarber continues to generate rumors in the sports world, particularly in baseball's Major League Baseball (MLB).
- As Schwarber's productivity on the Phillies continues to impress, these rewards could translate into a considerable multi-million-dollar deal in the upcoming betting markets.
- Despite the struggles faced by teammates Bryce Harper and Alec Bohm, Schwarber's outstanding performance has ignited a wave of interest, both within the Phillies organization and the broader betting fraternity.
- With an average of 38 home runs per season and a consistency that is rare in players nearing their 33rd year, Schwarber's odds for a lucrative contract extension with the Phillies are omnipresent in the MLB rumor mill.
- If Schwarber maintains his current form, it's only a matter of time before he joins the slew of high-earning MLB players, and this average million-dollar potential becomes a tangible reality.
