Bryce Harper sends strong message on Kyle Schwarber’s contract situation with Phillies

Bryce Harper is well aware of what’s coming for Kyle Schwarber at the end of the season. The Philadelphia Phillies won’t have him under contract anymore, meaning Schwarber is set to become a free agent—something Harper didn’t shy away from addressing.

“I don’t want him to go anywhere else,” Harper said to MLB after the Phillies’ win over the Guardians on May 10. “And that’s not me saying anything to ownership or Dave [Dombrowski]. Obviously, they want him too. And I think he wants to be here.”

Schwarber has become one of the Phillies’ most valuable hitters in 2025, and Harper knows it. He’s watched his teammate improve at the plate and quietly take on a more prominent role in the lineup—exactly the kind of offensive boost Philadelphia needs.

Harper believes Schwarber truly likes being in Philadelphia

As a teammate, Harper has picked up on how much Schwarber seems to enjoy life in Philadelphia—not just playing for the Phillies, but everything around it. Still, Harper knows that nothing is guaranteed when free agency looms.

CLEVELAND, OHIO – MAY 10: Kyle Schwarber #12 and Bryce Harper #3 of the Philadelphia Phillies celebrate the team’s 7-1 win over the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field on May 10, 2025 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images)

“I think he likes the community. He likes where he lives. But also, you know, it’s nice to be wanted. I don’t know if he’s going to get there [to free agency]. Like I said, I hope he doesn’t. But if he does, he’s going to have a lot of teams lined up for his services because he’s dang good.”

see also

Kyle Schwarber reveals which Phillies figure helped him crush lefties

Schwarber’s contract nearing its end

The final year of Schwarber’s deal will cost the Phillies another $20 million. His original 4-year, $79 million contract is winding down, and according to ESPN’s Jeff Passan, it wouldn’t be surprising if another team offered the slugging DH a deal in the $100 million range over four years. That means if the Phillies want to keep Harper’s teammate in town, they’ll likely need to match or exceed that number.