Overview

• Kyle Schwarber capped a career year by reaching 50 home runs and leading the National League in RBIs, elevating his free-agent profile and MVP candidacy.
• An MLB.com survey of club executives points to a four- or five-year deal worth at least $30 million annually, with outside estimates framing a $120–$150 million range.
• Teams are expected to be selective because Schwarber is viewed as a DH-only bat with limited defensive value, which executives say will shrink the bidder pool.
• Roster fits make the Yankees, Dodgers, and Giants unlikely pursuers given existing designated hitters, though multiple offense-needy clubs are still expected to engage.
• Executives cited Nelson Cruz and J.D. Martinez as contract comps and suggested some clubs could prefer shorter terms at higher AAV, while John Middleton has publicly said the Phillies will try to keep Schwarber.