The Phillies have reached an agreement to sign free-agent slugger Kyle Schwarber, sources confirm to JeffPassan.
On the bigger stage of a pennant race, Schwarber produced again, compiling a .291 batting average in 41 games. The view of him as only a slugger changed in his time with Boston, where he compiled a .957 OPS and helped the Red Sox to the playoffs while being regarded as a game-changer in their lineup.
Schwarber has improved in the outfield over the course of his career and has added first base to his résumé after his stint with Boston. Long term, he'll likely be a designated hitter who can spot teammates in the outfield or at first. Schwarber hit 94 home runs in a three-year span with the Cubs while his batting average slowly rose over time. That all came crashing down in 2020, when he hit just .188 with 11 home runs playing in 59 of 60 games. It led to his non-tender by the team that drafted him fourth overall in 2014.
Schwarber's recovery from a knee injury to participate in the 2016 World Series afforded him legendary status in Chicago but also elevated expectations. He's a classic slugger who might still have upside at the plate, as he showed in 2021.