The start of spring training in 2026 has brought with it an unexpected revelation that has shaken the Philadelphia Phillies. Their star player, Bryce Harper, openly confessed that during the past winter he was convinced that they would lose one of their most important offensive pillars.
The destination Harper saw as imminent for his teammate was none other than the Cincinnati Reds. The star outfielder admitted that Kyle Schwarber’s emotional connection to his hometown and the real interest from the Ohio organization made him seriously doubt his continuity in Philadelphia.
Bryce Harper feared Kyle Schwarber would change teams
Speaking to several media outlets at the Phillies complex, Harper did not hide his concern during the free agency process:
To tell you the truth, I thought Kyle was going to go to Cincinnati. I thought it was a done deal that he would go there, just for the fact of being at home and stuff like that
Harper even joked about how the rest of the team handled the uncertainty, admitting that in the clubhouse they used to tease him about his imminent return to Ohio to play in front of his home crowd.
Kyle Schwarber and a millionaire deal
Despite Harper’s fears and the Reds’ strong interest, the Phillies’ front office, led by Dave Dombrowski, managed to retain the left-handed slugger. The final deal was for five years and $150 million, a record figure for a designated hitter that ensures Schwarber’s presence at Citizens Bank Park through the 2030 season.
The news of Schwarber’s return, who is coming off a historic 56-home run season in 2025, has been received as the definitive boost for the Phillies to once again seek the World Series crown in 2026.
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