The Philadelphia Phillies make it clear the goal is to re-sign Kyle Schwarber, so why isn't there already a signature on the dotted line?

Schwarber, 32, is eligible for free agency after the season. Although there’s mutual interest, talks didn’t progress in spring training, and the sides agreed to table things until after the season.

Making these potential promotions and positional changes isn't necessarily a permanent move. Many star pitchers have skipped back and forth between the bullpen and rotation — and the Phillies have a lot of stock in Abel, Painter or both becoming mainstays as starters in the near future.

The biggest long-term priority is going to be making sure designated hitter — and All-Star Game hero — Kyle Schwarber does not get away from them.

Now 32, Schwarber is one of several core Phillies players scheduled to hit free agency after this season, along with catcher J.T. Realmuto and lefty Ranger Suárez. As owner John Middleton said Friday, keeping Schwarber beyond 2025 is a priority. Here's what Middleton told reporters, including the Associated Press:

Since Schwarber signed with the Phillies in 2022, he has hit 162 with the club — the third-most home runs in baseball behind only Aaron Judge (192) and Shohei Ohtani (164). His 12 home runs in the postseason since 2022 are tied with teammate Bryce Harper for the most in baseball.

As the second half of the season gets underway and the trade deadline approaches at the end of July, let’s take stock of the reliever market.