Philadelphia Phillies to sign veteran slugger Kyle Schwarber, sources say

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Kyle Schwarber is a member of the Philadelphia Phillies.

Sources told Jeff Passan that the player has agreed to sign with Philadelphia.

Schwarber will join a lineup that includes reigning National League Most Valuable Player, BryceHarper, as well as veterans J.T. Realmuto and Jean Segura.

Andrew McCutchen, who hit 27 home runs with Philadelphia last season, signed a one-year deal with the Milwaukee Brewers.

If Kris Bryant, Nick Castellanos, and Schwarber weren't signed by the Phils, it would be a "downer", saidHarper earlier this week. Philadelphia needs a left fielder, and team president Dave Dombrowski said Sunday ownership hasn't given him any restrictions on spending money.

He said he was thrilled with the addition of Schwarber.

It is huge for us. It gives us another bat in the lineup. He has done a good job. He gives us a chance to fill that void in left field.

The Philadelphia Phillies had their first winning record in five years last season, but they still haven't made the playoffs in 10 years.

The organization wants us to be a winning team, and adding someone like that will help us that much more.

After being non-tendered by the Chicago Cubs, Schwarber produced in a big way in 2021. He was a member of the Washington Nationals when he hit 25 home runs in 72 games.

Schwarber had a.289 batting average in 41 games during the big stage of the race. He was viewed as a game-changer in the lineup when he was with Boston, as he compiled a.957 OPS and helped them to the playoffs.

Schwarber added first base after his stint with Boston and has improved in the outfield over the course of his career. He will be a designated hitter who can spot teammates in the outfielder or at first.

Schwarber hit 94 home runs in three years with the Cubs while his batting average slowly rose. He hit just.188 with 11 home runs in 59 games in 2020. The team that drafted him fourth overall did not tender him.

Schwarber's recovery from a knee injury to participate in the World Series afforded him legendary status in Chicago but also elevated expectations. He might still have upside at the plate, as he showed in 2021.

The Associated Press and Jesse Rogers contributed to the report.