Former Wareham Gatemen outfielder Kyle Schwarber recently inked a five-year, $150 million contract. This keeps Schwarber with Philadelphia through 2030. The new deal makes the 32-year-old the second highest payed Phillies player per AAV (Annual average value), only trailing ace pitcher Zack Wheeler.
Schwarber came into MLB free agency as one of the premier bats on the market. Coming into the "Hot Stove", analysts rumored six suitors; the Pirates, Reds, Red Sox, Orioles, and Giants were in search of the playoff-proven veteran to become an addition to their young core.
Despite receiving other offers, Schwarber opted to stay put. "I feel like I've grown as a player in Philadelphia the last four years, and I feel like there is a mutual respect between both of us." He said in an interview with MLB Network after the extension. "I know that there's a lot of unfinished business to be had there, and I want to see this through. I want to win a World Series in Philadelphia, and I want to win more than one."
The phrase "Don't tamper with success" applies here. Since joining the Phillies in 2022, Schwarber has hit over 40 home runs in three of his four seasons with the franchise. In 2025, he even outdid that mark--tallying 56 home runs and becoming the National League's home run leader for the second time in his career. Schwarber's monster numbers in both the home run category (Second in the MLB) and leading all of baseball in RBI's made him one of three finalists for the National League's MVP award.
Since making his MLB debut in 2015, the lefty hitter has spent time with the Cubs, Nationals, and Red Sox in addition to the Phillies. However, this payday may bring a permanent home. He has posted the best numbers of his career in the city of brotherly love. Phillies fans have welcomed him with open arms since his signing in 2022, coining the nickname “Schwar-Bomb” to celebrate his monster hits. Philadelphia’s retention of defensive outfielders Brandon Marsh and Nick Castellanos has given Schwarber the opportunity to take a night off from the outfield and play the DH spot, allowing for some much-needed rest sprinkled throughout the 162-game marathon.
Then an outfielder at Indiana, Schwarber spent the summer of 2012 with Wareham. To no surprise, he tore up the CCBL. He batted a mammoth .343 over the regular season with eight home runs. He became a playoff hero for the Gateman, hitting two home runs over seven games against the leagues’ top arms. Schwarber led Wareham to the championship and was named the Playoff MVP.
Gatemen fans can see their former star at Philadelphia’s Citizens Bank Park for the foreseeable future. Fans looking to watch the 2026 Gatemen can view the recently released schedule on Wareham’s website.
