MLB Insider Compares Potential Red Sox’s Free Agent Target To David Ortiz

David Ortiz defied MLB’s traditional aging curve by pummeling baseballs until he retired at age 40. An insider thinks a prominent free agent could follow the Boston Red Sox legend’s lead.

Kyle Schwarber hits the open market after crushing 56 home runs for the Philadelphia Phillies in 2025. The designated hitter will turn 33 before next year’s Opening Day, but he could still fetch a lucrative multi-year contract.

MLB Network’s Jon Morosi predicted on Sunday morning’s “Hot Stove” that Schwarber will shatter past precedents for deals given to a primary DH, excluding two-way star Shohei Ohtani. Morosi can see Schwarber reaching an average annual value of $30 million or more.

“He is one of the premier players all around in Major League Baseball right now,” Morosi declared. “He is going to be paid like it.”

Schwarber’s age wouldn’t deter Morosi from signing the left-handed masher. He likened the veteran to Ortiz, who comfortably slugged over .500 in each of his final seven seasons.

“He’s been in the big leagues now for 10 years,” Morosi said of Schwarber. “The way in which he’s taken on the strength and conditioning, and what great shape he’s in, he is someone that I believe is going to be a really solid contributor and productive player for a long time into the future.

“I look at his 30s as being similar to David Ortiz’s 30s and what he’s going to be able to do. So Kyle Schwarber, he’s going to set some records this winter.”

Could Schwarber replicate Big Papi’s late-career dominance for the same team? The Red Sox are expected to be a prominent suitor in the Schwarber sweepstakes, but they will likely face considerable competition for his services.