MLB Free Agency Rumors: Red Sox Not Best Fit for MVP Candidate, Insider Says

Don’t count on the Boston Red Sox signing Philadelphia Phillies designated hitter Kyle Scwharber in free agency. That’s the message from ESPN’s David Schoenfield, who lists the Phillies as the best fit for the National League MVP finalist.

“Everyone expects Schwarber to return to the Phillies, coming off his 56-homer season and with his added value as one of the best teammates in the game,” Schoenfield reports.

Best Fit

“Nothing is guaranteed, however, and president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski is balancing a lot of decisions this offseason. J.T. Realmuto is also a free agent, Ranger Suarez is a free agent and Zack Wheeler‘s return is a question, plus the team in general is getting older. But it’s still a team in a championship window — if Schwarber remains in the lineup,” Schoenfield adds.

That syncs with what other MLB insiders are reporting.

“The Phillies are making Kyle Schwarber a top priority,” the New York Post’s Jon Heyman reports.

Other Fits

If the Phillies swing and miss, Schoenfield says the New York Mets are another possible fit.

“Would Schwarber leave the Phillies for the enemy? Players are a lot less loyal than we’d like to believe. Starling Marte was the Mets’ primary DH and he’s a free agent, plus consider: The Mets signed Soto and Alonso had a better season — yet they still scored two fewer runs than in 2024,” Schoenfield notes. “It was an above-average offense, fifth in the NL in runs, but it wasn’t a great offense. Adding Schwarber could take it to the next level.

“Think the Mets would love to steal Schwarber away from the Phillies? Addition and then subtraction from your rival,” Schoenfield notes.

The Athletic’s Jim Bowden says the Phillies, Mets and Detroit Tigers are the best fits for Schwarber, with a price tag of five years and $160 million.

“Every team except the Dodgers and Yankees should want him to be its DH,” Bowden adds. “Although the Phillies will make every effort to re-sign him, it will be fascinating to see what offers Schwarber gets on the open market for his special power bat and ability to mentor younger players.”

MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand believes Schwarber’s potential fits are the Phillies, Texas Rangers and Cincinnati Reds.

Schwarber spent part of the 2021 season in Boston as a midseason acquisition and helped the Red Sox reach the American League Championship Series.

An 11-year-veteran, Schwarber helped the Chicago Cubs win the 2016 World Series.