Dave Dombrowski, a seasoned baseball executive with experience across six MLB teams since 1978 and two World Series titles, has played a key role in shaping the Philadelphia Phillies’ competitive edge since joining the organization in 2021. With Kyle Schwarber approaching free agency after the 2025 season, both Dombrowski and the Phillies recognize the significant attention the slugger is likely to attract from other teams.
Schwarber’s journey began in Chicago, where he spent six seasons with the Cubs, followed by brief tenures with the Washington Nationals and Boston Red Sox in 2021 before settling into the Phillies lineup in 2022. His presence has coincided with Philadelphia making the postseason in three out of four years since his arrival.
Well, Schwarbs has been fantastic for us,
Dombrowski remarked.
Four years, we’ve made it to the postseason the previous three, and I hope again we do it this year. He’s not only a quality performer. He’s a clubhouse guy. He’s a gamer. He’s what you want out of a club.
Discussing the possibility of extending Schwarber’s tenure, Dombrowski added,
We’d love to keep him part of the organization for the long term, no doubt. We’ll see where that takes us. He’s putting up big numbers, and I’m sure there’ll be a lot of other clubs that are interested in him, too. But we’d love to keep him part of the organization and hope that it happens.
Statistical Growth and Their Effect on Contract Considerations
At 32 years old, Schwarber is currently under a four-year, $79 million contract signed prior to the 2022 season. While age will naturally influence negotiations for his next deal, his recent performance metrics highlight continued value. Despite a .197 batting average in 2023, Schwarber overcame this to hit a career-high 47 home runs that season, surpassing his 46 homers from 2022. He also recorded 104 RBIs in both 2023 and 2024.
Improvements at the plate include a reduction in strikeouts from 215 in 2023 to 197 in 2024. Through late May 2025, Schwarber’s batting average has climbed to .253, with 54 strikeouts and 42 walks over 194 at-bats. His walk rate of 17.5% ranks among the top one percent in Major League Baseball, marking three consecutive seasons where he has finished in that elite bracket.
Further solidifying his offensive stature, seven of Schwarber’s advanced metrics rank him in the top one or two percent across the league. These statistics confirm Schwarber as one of MLB’s most impactful hitters.
The Phillies’ Strategic Choices Ahead of a Critical Offseason
The Philadelphia Phillies face a complex decision regarding Schwarber’s future as they balance their talented roster and budget priorities. While Schwarber has deeply contributed to the team and community, competing offers from other franchises could exceed what the Phillies are prepared to match. Observers and fans alike will be eager to see how the organization navigates this pivotal offseason scenario.