Where do Phillies stand in Schwarber sweepstakes?

MLB.com is keeping track of the latest news and rumors surrounding Kyle Schwarber.

Dec. 8: Phillies 'optimistic' about re-signing Schwarber
The Pirates have made a free-agent offer to Schwarber, a source told MLB.com's Alex Stumpf, and teams like the Mets, Reds, Orioles, Giants and Red Sox have all been linked to the 2025 National League MVP runner-up.

But Schwarber might not be going anywhere -- at least, not if Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski is to be believed.

At the Winter Meetings, Dombrowski told reporters the Phillies have "optimism" regarding their chances of re-signing Schwarber (as well as catcher J.T. Realmuto) this offseason. According to MLB.com's Todd Zolecki, a source with knowledge of Schwarber’s thinking said he believes the star designated hitter and Philadelphia will ultimately reach an agreement.

If that's the case, the Phillies would like it to happen sooner rather than later. According to multiple reports, Schwarber is expected to be among the first top free agents to reach a deal. Whether he stays with Philadelphia will determine the complexion of the offseason for many clubs -- not just the Phillies.

Dec. 8: Why Mets could turn to Schwarber over Alonso
The Mets continue to be linked to Schwarber, with Mike Puma of the New York Post the latest to report on New York's interest in the All-Star slugger.

Schwarber certainly fits the Mets' needs. The club is searching for power after Pete Alonso opted out, it traded one of its top left-handed bats in Brandon Nimmo and the DH spot is open with Starling Marte also a free agent.

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That said, signing Schwarber comes with an added cost. After he turned down Philadelphia’s qualifying offer, the Mets would have to forfeit multiple Draft picks as well as $1 million from their international bonus pool to sign him. They wouldn't need to do that to bring back Alonso, the franchise’s all-time home run leader and a fan favorite. So it’s reasonable to wonder why the Mets wouldn’t focus on re-signing Alonso first.

In MLB Network insider Joel Sherman's view, timing could be a factor for the Mets. With Alonso's market potentially taking much longer to develop, the Mets might prefer to move quickly to get Schwarber under contract rather than wait around for Alonso.

Dec. 7: Pirates make four-year offer to Schwarber (report)
There's been plenty of buzz about the Pirates, historically a team that doesn't spend much in free agency, being much more aggressive this winter. That buzz is only further intensifying.

According to The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal (subscription required), the Pirates have offered a four-year deal to Schwarber. That offer almost certainly is for more than $100 million, according to Rosenthal, who also reports that the Pirates remain a longshot despite the reported offer.

The Pirates have only handed out one $100-plus million contract ($106.75 million contract extension to Bryan Reynolds) in franchise history, with their biggest free-agent deal being a $39 million deal for Francisco Liriano in 2014. Signing Schwarber would signal that the Pirates are seriously trying to push for a more competitive short-term window. More >

Dec. 3: Is a homecoming in Schwarber's future?
The Reds are among the teams that have been linked to Schwarber in recent days, and multiple sources confirmed to MLB.com that they are indeed in pursuit of the veteran slugger, who hails from nearby Middletown, Ohio, and grew up going to Great American Ball Park.

Citing people briefed on his thinking, The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal reported Wednesday that Schwarber is interested in a possible homecoming, and that the Reds are "serious" about signing him.

However, Rosenthal cast some doubt on Cincinnati's willingness to make it work from a financial standpoint after president of baseball operations Nick Krall said in early November that the team's 2026 payroll would be about the same as it was in '25. If that's the case, the Reds have about $20 million to spend.

Dec. 2: Giants also in the mix for Schwarber
With Schwarber's market heating up, add the Giants to the teams in the mix for the star slugger.

San Francisco has "checked in" on Schwarber, according to a report from MLB Network insider Jon Paul Morosi on Tuesday.

The list of suitors keeps growing for one of the premier left-handed power bats in baseball. The Phillies, Mets, Red Sox, Orioles, Reds and Pirates have all already been linked to Schwarber.

Dec. 1: Schwarber's market heating up; Mets in the mix (report)
The market for Schwarber is taking shape ahead of baseball’s annual Winter Meetings next week.

Re-signing the 32-year-old slugger is said to be a priority for the Phillies, but sources told MLB.com’s Todd Zolecki last week that no deal was close between the two sides. As a result, the door is open for another club to swoop in, and one of Philadelphia’s biggest rivals has emerged as a possible landing spot.

According to ESPN’s Jeff Passan, the Mets are “in the mix” for Schwarber. More >

Nov. 27: Red Sox, Orioles among clubs pursuing Schwarber (report)
Schwarber had a successful 41-game stint with the Red Sox in 2021, slashing .291/.435/.522 following a midseason trade with Washington. Might he soon be calling Fenway Park home once again? If so, Boston will have to fend off many other clubs, including one from within its own division.

MLB Network Jon Heyman writes in the New York Post (subscription required) that Schwarber is "strongly in the mix" for the Red Sox, who have also been linked to other hitters such as Alex Bregman, Pete Alonso, J.T. Realmuto and Japanese infielder Kazuma Okamoto. Heyman reports that Boston is considering signing multiple members of that quintet.

But Heyman adds that the Orioles are also pursuing Schwarber, who would fit in well as Baltimore's designated hitter. Orioles DHs combined to hit .221 with a .676 OPS this past season.

Nov. 25: Deal between Schwarber, Phillies not close (sources)
As expected, the Phillies are said to be prioritizing a reunion with Schwarber. But it doesn't sound like a resolution will be happening anytime soon.

Sources told MLB.com's Todd Zolecki that the two sides are not close to a deal, which isn't exactly a surprise. As Schwarber's agents look to capitalize on his monstrous 2025 season, they have no reason to rush anything.