PHILADELPHIA — The Philadelphia Phillies have added slugger Kyle Schwarber to their lineup, signing the free agent outfielder to a four-year deal that will pay him an average of $20 million per year, according to numerous reports.
Schwarber, 30, was an All Star last year while splitting time between the Washington Nationals and the Boston Red Sox after being let go by the Chicago Cubs, with whom he spent his first six Major League seasons and helped win a World Series title in 2016.
During his time in Washington, Schwarber hit 25 homers in 72 games before being dealt to the Red Sox. He hit .291 with 10 doubles, seven home runs, and a .957 OPS in 41 games with Boston, which made the American League playoffs.
He is projected to play left field for the Phillies, but can also serve as a designated hitter.
Schwarber batted .230 with a .480 slugging percentage, swatted 121 home runs and collected 279 RBI during his time with the Cubs.
He'll join a lineup that already features Bryce Harper, Rhys Hoskins and JT Realmuto in the middle of the batting order.
Schwarber's deal leaves the Phillies about $10 million below the league's luxury tax threshold of $230 million, which could preclude them from any more big-time signings, unless the team's front office and ownership group decides to go above the limit.
