Even with the CBA talks going on, everybody around Major League Baseball seems to be talking about Kyle Schwarber free agent 2021-22, and for very good reasons.
The versatile outfielder improved his defense last season and was a huge menace at the plate as well. He could fill the void for multiple teams looking for both help in the outfield and a designated hitter, and he even played it the infield when needed last season.
Kyle Schwarber free agent 2021-22
The former Washington Nationals star declined his option to go back to the Boston Red Sox after a mid-season trade got him to Fenway Park. Now, Schwarber’s contract prediction shows that he’s looking at a big pay rise for next year.
But what team should sign him? What’s the best fit for him? And what teams can actually afford him now? Let’s break it down.
5. Cubs
It’s going to take a while before the Chicago Cubs become World Series contenders again. But they can offer something most teams can’t, and that’s a lot of money. Schwarber’s contract prediction states that he’ll get somewhere near $15 and $17 million per year, which is perfectly attainable in Chicago.
The Cubs made a huge mistake by letting him go and replacing him with Joc Pederson and we all know how that went. With the league expected to implement the universal designated hitter next season, the Cubs should right their wrong and try to bring him back.
4. Nationals
Yes, we know the Washington Nationals were huge sellers last season. But they can still have one of the best offenses in the National League if they bring back Kyle Schwarber to the outfield next to NL MVP finalist Juan Soto and Lane Thomas.
The Nationals would have enough firepower and a balanced offense with multiple lefties in Soto, Schwarber, and two solid switch-hitters in Keibert Ruiz and Josh Bell. He was beloved by the fans in Washington and might as well go back home.
3. Twins
The Minnesota Twins were one of the most disappointing teams in MLB last season. But in reality, they’re one of the best Schwarber fits for multiple reasons. For starters, he could either be their everyday left fielder or fill in Nelson Cruz‘s void as the designated hitter.
Also, even though the Twins are a young team, that doesn’t mean that they need to rebuild right away. They have a strong offense and the team looked much better once they were healthy last season. Adding Schwarber would put them right back in the playoff picture.
Check out our MLB free agency tracker and grades
2. Red Sox
Kyle Schwarber was a huge addition to the Boston Red Sox’s offense last season. He went from slashing 253/.340/.570 at Washington to .291/.435/.522 during the final 41 games of the season with Alex Cora‘s team, even playing at first base occasionally.
It wasn’t surprising to see Schwarber declining his mutual option for this season, as he knew he could get way more than just $11 million per year. But the Red Sox are still interested in bringing him back and the fit and need seem obvious.
1. Giants
If we take a look at the best Schwarber fits, then no team makes more sense than the San Francisco Giants.
They’re coming off winning a franchise-record 107 games and will have most of their core back for next season but they still need an upgrade in the outfield.
Kris Bryant is set to be a free agent and even if they bring him back, adding Schwarber would be an offensive upgrade for them. Outside of Mike Yastrzemski, neither Steven Duggar, Alex Dickerson, or Austin Slater were exactly efficient at the plate.
Read more: 10 most underrated MLB free agents this offseason
[spreaker type=player resource=”show_id=3300147″ width=”100%” height=”200px” theme=”light” playlist=”false” playlist-continuous=”false” chapters-image=”true” episode-image-position=”right” hide-logo=”false” hide-likes=”false” hide-comments=”false” hide-sharing=”false” hide-download=”true”]