Kyle Schwarber and the Philadelphia Phillies have agreed to terms on a five year, $150 million deal, per multiple reports. In addition, Edwin Diaz and the Los Angeles Dodgers have agreed to terms on a three
year, $69 million deal, per multiple reports.
The hot stove, as they see, is heating up.
Schwarber, who turns 33 in March, has had an interesting career arc. Taken with the 4th overall pick in 2014 out of Indiana University on a well-below-slot deal, Schwarber was a catcher to begin his career, but quickly moved to the outfield. He had a couple of solid offensive seasons with the Cubs and a couple of not so solid offensive seasons, and was non-tendered prior to the 2021 season. The Nationals signed him to a one year deal and he raked, slashing .266/.374/.554 in 471 plate appearances between the Nationals and the Red Sox, who acquired him at the 2021 trade deadline.
Schwarber then signed a 4 year, $79 million deal with the Phillies, initially playing the outfield, where he was stretched defensively, before becoming primarily a DH the last two seasons. His 2025 season was the best of his career, as he slashed .240/.365/.563, led the National League in homers with 56, and was second to Shohei Ohtani in the National League MVP voting.
Schwarber is an impact three true outcomes hitter and considered a vital piece of the Phillies’ clubhouse. Still, $30 million per year for five years for the age 33-37 seasons of a DH is a lot.
Diaz, meanwhile, was expected to return to the New York Mets, who acquired him after the 2018 season, along with Robinson Cano, in exchange for a five player package highlighted by Jay Bruce and Jarred Kelenic. Diaz opted out of the final two years of his deal with the Mets, which would have paid him $38 million, and was considered the top reliever in the free agent market this offseason.
