Since Pete Alonso’s MLB debut, only two players have hit more home runs than him, and one of those sluggers—Kyle Schwarber—is entering free agency this offseason. Schwarber has performed impressively for the Philadelphia Phillies and is expected to be one of the most sought-after free agents on the market.
Meanwhile, Mets president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski recently questioned whether Bryce Harper could return to elite form. This context opens the door for Schwarber to potentially look for a strong “running mate” in a new lineup as he ages. FanSided’s Chris Landers suggested pairing Juan Soto with Schwarber for the Mets, especially with Pete Alonso’s future in doubt.
Landers highlighted New York’s potential needs: Starling Marte is moving on, leaving a DH spot open, and the team would want to replace Alonso’s power if he departs. The combination of Soto, Schwarber, and Francisco Lindor could form a formidable heart of the order, alleviating some pressure on a young pitching staff. While Phillies fans might resent Schwarber leaving, Landers noted that reuniting with Soto could soften the transition for the slugger.
The Mets invested heavily to bring Juan Soto to Queens, likely with a long-term plan in mind. With the expectation of contending for years, the team wants to maximize its championship window, and adding Kyle Schwarber could help achieve that. Schwarber is among the league’s premier sluggers and could not only fill the power void left by Pete Alonso but potentially add even more firepower.
However, Schwarber comes at a steep price. Spotrac projects him to command a four-year, $99 million contract in free agency. The Mets may prioritize shoring up their defense this offseason, meaning that committing nearly $100 million to a designated hitter might not be their top priority.
