The Philadelphia Phillies were intent on keeping Kyle Schwarber. According to a team official, re-signing the slugger was the only option.
Phillies Focused Solely on Schwarber
After the Phillies re-signed Kyle Schwarber in December, a team official said there was no Plan B if he had signed elsewhere. “There was none,” the official stated, “We weren’t letting him get away.”
Pete Alonso, who was also a free agent this winter, believes the Phillies’ strategy. Alonso stated there was “a little bit of dialogue, very, very early, more of a ‘Hey, how you doing?’ type of thing.” However, Alonso said the Phillies told him, “All our eggs are with Schwarbs.”
Alonso understands the Phillies’ decision. “And they should have been,” Alonso said. “Kyle means a lot to that franchise and that clubhouse and I’m really happy for him because he’s in the right spot. He just fits really well with that group and that clubhouse. The Phillies got a good one in Schwarbs.”
Alonso’s Perspective on Joining the Orioles
Schwarber re-signed with the Phillies on a five-year, $150 million deal. The Pittsburgh Pirates, Cincinnati Reds and Baltimore Orioles also pursued him. Twenty-four hours later, Alonso signed with the Orioles on a five-year, $155 million contract.
Alonso visited Clearwater with his new team. He had a pair of singles against Phillies prospect Andrew Painter and was booed like a Met. Phillies fans remember the 18 home runs and 62 RBIs he produced against their team in 104 games with the Mets.
“I love playing in Philly,” Alonso said. “The Bank is a fun place to hit. The ball flies. The fans are rowdy. They bring a lot of energy. And the Phillies always have a great team. They’re super talented. You’ve got to bring it when you play them.”
Wheeler’s Success in Philadelphia
Alonso hit a majors-leading 53 homers as a rookie with the Mets in 2019, Zack Wheeler’s last season with that club. The Mets made little attempt to retain Wheeler when he became a free agent and signed with the Phillies before the 2020 season. Alonso empathises with Wheeler’s situation.
Alonso averaged 41 homers and 113 RBIs in his six full seasons (minus the 2020 COVID season) with the Mets, never playing in less than 152 games in a full season. Despite this, the Mets were reluctant to give Alonso more than a three-year contract this winter. He turned 31 in December.
If Alonso’s time in Baltimore is as successful as Wheeler’s has been in Philadelphia, the Orioles will have made a good signing.
“I can’t think of Wheels as anything else other than a Phillie,” Alonso said. “Just like Schwarbs. As soon as he came over, it’s like, this is the best place for him, not just contractually, but the fit is right. He’s unlocked his true potential with the Phillies. He’s a top contender for the Cy Young eve
Alec Bohm has three home runs in the last two days after a two-homer day on Friday. He talks about what he’s been working as Opening Day is less than two weeks away.