The starters for the Philadelphia Phillies are pretty much set and consist of the same group as last year. Although the core still remains the same, it doesn’t mean they’re not capable of more. Certain players will look to take the next step in development and keep the winning culture going.

The Phillies’ big slugger and designated hitter Kyle Schwarber has ascended to the power bat role that the club has desperately lacked in previous years. His 131 home runs since becoming a member of the Phillies is the third-most in MLB since 2022. Schwarber has been a catalyst for the team’s success and has a desire to grow his versatility this spring for an even bigger 2025.

Kyle Schwarber’s expanded role will help the Phillies this season, but could also drive up his free agent value

Schwarber isn’t known for defensive prowess, but he does try to help the team win whenever he can (subscription required), per Matt Gelb of The Athletic. Before embracing the designated hitter role, Schwarber was the Phillies’ everyday left fielder during the World Series run, due to circumstances from Bryce Harper’s UCL injury. Now Schwarber is wandering around the infield, taking some plays at first base, further adding to his effectiveness as an overall player.

Schwarber knows he isn’t a long-term solution at first base, but Phillies manager Rob Thomson believes there’s an upside to giving Schwarber another position to handle. Coming into a contract year, it will only increase his value for a free agent deal. In his contract year, Schwarber is finishing up the final of a four-year deal. The Phillies and Schwarber have had broad discussions about possibly bringing him back on an extension, but nothing has progressed.

Schwarber hadn’t played first base since 2021, when his appearances weren’t necessarily going to garner any defensive awards. If he can be serviceable with the glove in 2025, it’ll get Harper off his feet to DH at times and give the outfield some relief if Schwarber mans the outfield at any point this season.

“Even though I play DH for this team, there is still a part of me that always wants to be in the field,” Schwarber said, per Gelb. “Right? You just kind of miss that aspect of the game sometimes. Obviously, my role here on the team, I want to be able to produce any way I can for these guys. If I can get guys off their feet, I want to get guys off their feet.”

Schwarber has been the ultimate team player since he got to Philadelphia and has become a true clubhouse leader with his selflessness. The lineup has been a major topic of discussion as to where Schwarber fits in, per Corey Seidman of NBC Sports Philadelphia.

Schwarber has said he’ll hit anywhere to best help the team. Now he is playing for a new deal with more to offer the team than ever before. It could make the objective of re-signing him harder with his stock only rising, but Schwarber does have a serious interest in staying in Philadelphia if the two sides can come to an agreement.