Red Sox Rumors: Scary Update Links Phillies’ Kyle Schwarber To AL East Rival

Well here’s some news to ruin your Monday morning. The latest rumors regarding Philadelphia Phillies designated hitter Kyle Schwarber has the Boston Red Sox potentially battling a blood rival for the free-agent slugger.

Schwarber will have a “bountiful market,” according to ESPN’s Jeff Passan.

“Because he’ll be 33 on Opening Day, Schwarber is looking at a maximum five-year deal,” Passan adds. “Even at a high average annual value, the lack of years keeps mid-market teams in the mix. Ultimately, though, the bidding is likely to come down to bigger-market teams.”

“Schwarber is one of those rare players — think Marcus Semien — who will make more money in his mid-30s than he did previously. He should sign for much more than $79 million, which is what he just made in his previous deal with Philadelphia,” ESPN’s Jesse Rogers reports. “The Phillies need him more than he needs them, according to insiders. How do you replace 187 home runs over the past four years? You don’t.”

And that’s where things take a nasty turn.

Bronx Bound?

“(Schwarber) could also balance out the Yankees’ lineup if Cody Bellinger walks. Can you imagine his home run totals with the short porch at Yankee Stadium?” Rogers notes.

“Both players have the same agent — Casey Close of Excel — but they bring different skill sets to the table, meaning the crossover between interested teams may not materialize,” Rogers adds.

Yankees’ Preference

The Yankees have made no attempt to hide their desire to re-sign Bellinger, who the club acquired in a December 2024 trade with the Chicago Cubs.

He proceeded to hit 29 home runs and drive in 98 runs while posting a 5.0 WAR in New York, his highest totals since winning the 2019 National League MVP Award with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Bellinger opted out of his three-year, $80 million contract by turning down his $25 million option for 2026.

But Bellinger is not the only outfielder on the Yankees’ radar as the club continues to be linked to Cubs outfielder Kyle Tucker, who’s the best all-around player available on the open market.

As for the fuss over Schwarber, the reason is pretty clear. He was runner-up for National League MVP after leading the league with a career-high 56 home runs.

The three-time All-Star spent part of the 2021 season in Boston as a midseason acquisition and helped the Red Sox reach the American League Championship Series.