Phillies Owner Says Club Doesn’t ‘Need Any Motivation’ To Retain All-Star Game MVP

The Philadelphia Phillies are looking to capture the National League West for the second straight season and continue their march to the postseason, but they also have to look at the future with their star Kyle Schwarber.

Schwarber is a free agent at the end of the year, and Phillies owner John Middleton isn’t hiding his intention to keep him around, per a report by Bob Nightengale of USA Today.

Schwarber just won the All-Star Game MVP last week after going 3-for-3 in his swings during the first-ever swing-off to decide the contest. The Phillies slugger has also mashed three home runs this season and has hit 30-plus in six of his last seven seasons, including leading the National League in 2022.

The three-time All-Star has earned a contract extension, and Middleton wants to be the one to give it to him.

“He’s a great person in the clubhouse,” Middleton told Nightengale. “We love him. We want to keep him. We don’t need any motivation whatsoever.”

If Schwarber were to hit the market, he would be the most sought-after designated hitter this offseason and would certainly get paid handsomely for his power at the plate. The Phillies should be looking to solidify an agreement early with Schwarber to avoid letting him slip away.

While the Phillies have their eyes set on October, the Phillies brass and Schwarber’s team should be in the background talking about a contract to keep the slugger in the City of Brotherly Love.

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