The Philadelphia Phillies’ window remains open, but the cold air is pouring out. With free agency underway, the Phillies front office must decide whether to double down on its core or retool. Maybe both? Let’s monitor.
Phillies Free Agency Update as November Ends
Kyle Schwarber — The Heartbeat
Kyle Schwarber going back to the Phillies was never going to be as easy as Dave Dombrowski wanted it to be. The National League home run king spoke a few weeks back – doubling down on a similar comment he made during the season, saying the kid in him would appreciate playing in Cincinnati. That won’t magically make the Reds rich in free-agent lust, but it’s more fuel on the fire around Schwarber finishing his career outside of Philadelphia.
Last Tuesday, MLB.com’s Todd Zolecki reported the Phillies and Schwarber aren’t close on a deal. He goes on to mention the feeling that he will return to Philadelphia, but Schwarber wants to play the market. The hold-up seems to be either the length or the total cost. Clearly, both have grown significantly larger from mid-season projections, which is likely why the Phillies and Schwarber’s team are starting so far apart. Schwarber wants to win – and win now. Surely, closer to home.
The Phillies, like almost everybody, haven’t started their holiday shopping yet. https://t.co/4sGUbvFa8v
— Todd Zolecki (@ToddZolecki) November 25, 2025
It’ll come down to Philadelphia or Boston. The Red Sox trading for Sonny Gray instead of spending big on a pitcher signals they’ll spend BIG on one or two bats. The Pittsburgh Pirates seem to be all bark with little bite. The Reds seem to yank interest, but even Kyle Schwarber mentioned “timing” is important. The New York Mets should make a luxurious offer, but on deaf ears. As will the Atlanta Braves – both NL East rivals will look to bid up the price. The Red Sox could make an offer too good to refuse if Dombrowski gets caught sleeping at the wheel.
Bidding starts at $30 million per year, which was originally thought to be a top offer. His five (5+) year request seems firm if you’re not throwing eye-popping cash on top of the pile. I’m told the Phillies have a blank check that needs some language worked out — Smart? Not really, but Dave Dombrowski doesn’t like gluing together a crafted roster or a world in which he’d have to replace 56 homers. Rumors will fly, but Kyle Schwarber is likely a Phillie in 2026 and beyond.
Ranger Suárez — The Quiet Anchor
Ranger Suárez hired the infamous Scott Boras for a reason. It’s not his wordplay. Expect Suárez to get close to or more than $160 million for the next five to six years. The Houston Astros are a fit, as are the Chicago Cubs, Toronto Blue Jays, and Detroit Tigers. Any team with a decent pair of rotation arms and playoff aspirations will be coveting Suárez.
J.T. Realmuto — The Glue Guy
If anyone is trending more likely for Philadelphia, it’s J.T. Realmuto. A two-year deal should get the job done. That is good news, since three years was thought to be creeping. I’m hearing rumors he will sign back to Philadelphia for two years – close to or around $35 million. That could change, of course, but it seems close. A few beats from the Philadelphia Inquirer hinted that he is a must-sign for the team and will look to sign around the Winter Meetings. That is all hope and wishes until pen hits paper. The heavily awarded catcher is invaluable to the Phillies. Unless a team like the San Diego Padres or the Red Sox sends a wagon of cash, Realmuto leaving Philadelphia is a scenario for another multiverse.
Harrison Bader — The Fireworks
Similar to a firecracker, Harrison Bader was bought at the deadline, lit on fire in Philadelphia, and exploded for an outfield gasping for air. Bader had career numbers while in Philadelphia. The Phillies and Bader seem like a story meant to continue, but money talks. With Taylor Ward traded from the Los Angeles Angels to the Baltimore Orioles (for a hefty price), and Trent Grisham accepting his qualifying offer from the New York Yankees, Bader is the clear-cut top center field talent on the market, if he wasn’t already. 17 home runs and an OPS close to .800 while playing stellar defense is hard to come by.
If the market gets extremely dry, the Phillies could make a last-chance effort to re-sign Bader, hoping he’ll bring stability to an outfield of rookies and signings. The center fielder’s numbers will likely trend down, history shows, but he looked sharp in 2025. Bader isn’t known as an everyday guy, but he showed capability in Philly and could transition to more playing time. He will get big bucks. The Mets will try to attack Bader on the market, as will many others. His outlook is truly up in the air.
Free Agent Names to Watch
*Kyle Schwarber’s decision and timeframe will go hand-in-hand with the Phillies’ free agency decisions and possibilities.
Main Photo Credit: Mady Mertens-Imagn Images
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