Schwarber is entering the final season of his four-year free agent deal. The $79MM investment has paid off handsomely for the Phillies. He has hit .221/.344/.488 with 131 homers in a little more than 2000 plate appearances. Only Aaron Judge and Shohei Ohtani have hit more home runs over the last three seasons.

It had been three years since Kyle Schwarber played a competitive inning at first base. But that’s where Schwarber started the Phillies’ 7-7 tie with the Yankees on Thursday. It was his first time at the position since the 2021 postseason with the Red Sox.

Schwarber has the team in mind, but adding first base isn't the worst idea going into a contract year. This spring, he has a modest mission.