The New York Mets have emerged as a potential destination for free agent Kyle Schwarber amid ongoing rumors ahead of the Winter Meetings. The Philadelphia Phillies prioritize re-signing the 32-year-old, but no deal is close. Schwarber, who hit 56 home runs in 2025 and finished second in NL MVP voting, draws interest from several teams needing power.
Kyle Schwarber's free agency market is heating up as baseball's Winter Meetings approach next week. The Philadelphia Phillies view re-signing the 32-year-old slugger as a top priority, though sources indicate no agreement is imminent between the sides. This opens opportunities for other clubs, including Philadelphia's NL East rival, the New York Mets.
ESPN's Jeff Passan reports the Mets are "in the mix" for Schwarber, who posted 56 homers in 2025 and placed second in National League MVP voting. New York seeks offensive firepower following Pete Alonso's opt-out, the trade of left-handed hitter Brandon Nimmo, and Starling Marte's free agency, leaving the designated hitter role vacant. However, re-signing Alonso, the franchise's all-time home run leader and a fan favorite, could be preferable, as it avoids draft pick forfeiture and international bonus pool penalties that signing Schwarber would incur after he declined Philadelphia's qualifying offer.
Interest extends beyond the Mets. MLB Network's Jon Heyman notes the Boston Red Sox, fresh off acquiring starter Sonny Gray, view Schwarber as a strong option for their lineup despite preferring a right-handed bat like Alex Bregman or Alonso. The Baltimore Orioles are also pursuing Schwarber, having added outfielder Taylor Ward via trade and closer Ryan Helsley in free agency. Meanwhile, the Cincinnati Reds offer a chance to play near Schwarber's Middletown, Ohio, hometown; the club, which reached the 2025 postseason, has never exceeded $64 million on a free agent but may spend more to contend with its young pitching.
Passan suggests Schwarber could sign before the Winter Meetings conclude.