For Philadelphia Phillies fans feeling anxious about Kyle Schwarber’s pending free agent status, the 32-year-old slugger may have dropped a hint about where he thinks he will be playing in 2026.
Although the interpretation of that hint could vary depending on a person’s point of view.
Talking to reporters on Sunday about being named to the National League All-Star team, Schwarber was asked if he planned to participate in the Home Run Derby. Although he has competed in the event twice – including 2018, when he placed second to Bryce Harper – Schwarber said he would be a spectator when it takes place on Monday at Truist Park in Atlanta.
“No, I’m not going to do the Home Run Derby,” Schwarber said to Tim Kelly, managing editor of the Philadelphia sports site OnPattison.com.
But it was the follow-up sentence, after a short pause, that might grab people’s attention.
“Maybe see what happens next year,” Schwarber said.
And now is the point where it’s worth noting that the 2026 All-Star Game will be held at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia. Could Schwarber have been suggesting that he might want to represent the hometown fans during next year’s event?
Kyle Schwarber Ponders Participation in 2026 Home Run Derby at Philadelphia
A pessimist might hear that response and think that Schwarber might be anticipating the Home Run Derby next July as an opportunity to give the Philadelphia crowd a “here’s what you’re missing” kind of moment.
But it’s pretty tough to imagine that Schwarber would troll the Phillies faithful, given his reputation around the league.
In a May 21 article for OnPattinson.com, Kelly talked with several Phillies about the concept of “what makes someone a clubhouse guy.” Kelly posted comments from six of the players along with manager Rob Thomson, and while Thomson refrained from mentioning specific names, four of the six players touted Schwarber as “the prime example” of someone who promotes a positive atmosphere within the team.
“I think Schwarber is a great one,” said relief pitcher Jordan Romano, who signed with Philadelphia in the offseason. “Schwarber is a great clubhouse guy. He’s always keeping it light, and everyone likes being around him … enjoys him … and obviously his play on the field, you know, that helps out a lot.”
Kyle Schwarber Earns Spot on National League All-Star Team for Third Time
And of course, it’s his play on the field that earned Schwarber his third All-Star Game nod. Entering Tuesday night’s games, Schwarber is third in the National League in home runs (27) and sixth in both RBIs (63) and OPS (.920).
It’s also his play on the field that will get Schwarber paid after this season. ESPN’s Jeff Passan recently suggested that Schwarber, currently in the last year of a four-year, $79 million contract, could be in line for another four-year deal that pays as much as $100 million.
Would the Phillies offer Schwarber a contract in that range to keep him in the red pinstripes? Well, as Schwarber might say …
“Maybe see what happens next year.”
Phillies’ Pending Free Agent Superstar Drops Hint About Future Plans