Latest Red Sox-Kyle Schwarber Rumors Include ‘Unrivaled’ NL Contender

The latest update on Philadelphia Phillies free-agent designated hitter Kyle Schwarber doesn’t necessarily bode well for the Boston Red Sox and chief baseball officer Craig Breslow.

“Brandon Nimmo’s departure has presented the Mets with another possibility that was previously less appealing: adding a power lefty bat,” the New York Post’s Mike Puma reports.

“Along those lines, team executives have shown interest in Kyle Schwarber, according to industry sources, potentially giving the lineup an unrivaled 1-2 lefty punch, along with Juan Soto,” Puma adds.

That’s in line with what New York Post’s Jon Heyman is reporting.

“It’s interesting the Mets are showing interest in Schwarber, which would be like dropping a bomb on these dormant meetings since a half-dozen or so teams are clamoring for him, including the heavily favored Phillies,” Heyman writes.

“Most see Philly as the obvious place for Schwarber, and that makes sense. But you can’t blame the Mets for trying.

“The Mets see Schwarber as something of a stretch, but not impossible,” Heyman notes.

“That’s probably how every other team beyond Philly feels, although his hometown Reds obviously may hold some special allure,” Heyman writes. “The Pirates reportedly made a four-year offer and the Red Sox and Orioles — two of the teams meeting with (Pete) Alonso — are in, as well.”

Alonso and Schwarber are the two biggest bats available in free agency. The buzz at the MLB Winter Meetings in Orlando has the market waiting on Schwarber, who led the National League with a career-high 56 home runs this season.

“Lastly, and the Mets probably know this, Schwarber isn’t all that likely to leave Philly,” Heyman concludes. “The Phillies, no dummies, seem very confident he’ll return despite interest from his hometown Reds, his old Red Sox team and many others.”

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