Alex Cora ‘Very Intrigued’ By Ex-Red Sox Star’s Looming Free Agency

In just a few months, Philadelphia Phillies slugger Kyle Schwarber will be a free agent again.

The last time he was a free agent, after a 2021 season split with the Boston Red Sox and Washington Nationals, he landed a four-year, $79 million deal with the Phillies. Since then, all he’s done is notch four straight 30-homer seasons, make two All-Star teams and win a National League pennant.

Schwarber is 32 now, but he’s shown no signs of slowing down. He already has 33 home runs, 75 RBI and 3.1 WAR in 101 games this year, not to mention the highest OPS (.934) of his career.

Alex Cora, who managed Schwarber during his brief stint with the Red Sox in 2021, said he’s “very intrigued” to see what happens with his free agency this winter.

While he only spent a few months with Boston as a trade deadline acquisition, Schwarber made a major impact on the organization. He was a force in the Red Sox’s lineup down the stretch, helping them make the postseason and come within two wins of reaching the World Series.

“He’s a guy that, in a short period of time, he touched everyone here,” Cora said of the three-time All-Star, who homered during Philadelphia’s 4-1 win over Boston on Tuesday.

Unfortunately, the Red Sox opted not to re-sign him that winter, letting him leave in free agency. That proved to be a major mistake, as he’s smashed the third-most homers in baseball (164) since joining the Phillies.

With Schwarber enjoying a career year in 2025, he could be poised to earn an even bigger contract this offseason. However, Cora thinks he should stay with Philadelphia, who have a great team and one of the most homer-friendly parks in the Major Leagues.

“I hate to say it, but (Philly) is the perfect place for him,” Cora said.

With Masataka Yoshida entrenched at designated hitter and a logjam in the outfield, Boston is unlikely to make a play for Schwarber this winter. However, Cora and Red Sox fans will be interested to see where he ends up.