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MLB Insider Rips Phillies Amid Kyle Schwarber Contract Controversy

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jake Elman | Last updated Apr 25, 2025 3:36 PM ET

Upon arriving at spring training, All-Star slugger Kyle Schwarber established quickly and publicly that he wanted to remain with the Philadelphia Phillies on a new contract.

Nearly a month into the season, Schwarber still doesn’t have a new contract. Phillies fans don’t like it, Schwarber himself may not like it, and MLB insider Robert Murray certainly doesn’t like it.

Murray slammed the Phillies on Thursday, writing it feels “like a mistake” that the team hasn’t re-signed Schwarber yet. Schwarber entered play Friday hitting .258 with seven home runs, 16 RBI, and an incredible 24-21 K-BB ratio.

Murray added that he believes it’s “extremely unlikely” that Schwarber and the Phillies will resume negotiating during the season.

“A return to Philadelphia should not be discounted,” Murray wrote. “But the Phillies could have gotten ahead of this in the spring – and by not doing so, may cost them a chance at a few more seasons of Schwarbombs at Citizens Bank Park.”

Murray reported there’s been “no evidence” of extension talks thus far. Schwarber turned 32 in March and thus far avoided the pressure that often comes with a contract year; the two-time All-Star ranks 13th among qualified hitters with a .411 on-base percentage.

“He very well could be looking at a deal similar to Teoscar Hernandez’s three-year, $66 million contract from this past offseason,” Murray suggested, referring to the Los Angeles Dodgers’ right fielder.

“Perhaps they could have gotten him for less than that,” Murray continued, “considering how open Schwarber is about his love for Philadelphia.”

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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