You could see this coming from a mile away.
On Thursday, the Phillies made the most unsurprising moves of their offseason: extending qualifying offers to Kyle Schwarber and Ranger Suárez. One-year deals, worth $22.025 million. A formality more than a negotiation.
But let’s be honest — nobody expects either player to sign that dotted line.
Not Schwarber, the home-run meteor who just led the National League with 56 and drove in 132.
Not Suárez, the southpaw whose 3.20 ERA in 26 starts reminded everyone that quiet excellence can still survive in a launch-angle world.
Each has earned the right to test free agency. And if they do, the Phillies will get only the consolation prize: compensatory draft picks after the fourth round of the 2026 draft. Deadline to decide? November 18, 4 p.m. ET — circle it if you love paperwork.
The Phillies have made it clear they’d love to bring both back.
Dave Dombrowski and company know exactly what Schwarber’s presence means — not just the homers that dent the right-field bleachers but the tone he sets in that clubhouse. He’s the rare slugger whose voice carries as far as his swing.
And Suárez? He’s the heartbeat of a rotation that can’t be measured only in spin rates.
From October heroics to midsummer steadiness, the lefty has turned reliability into an art form.
But in an offseason built for bidding wars, keeping both will take more than sentiment.
There will be suitors. There always are when the baseball world knows how valuable your guys really are.
For now, the offers are on the table — and the Phillies wait, knowing full well what the likely answer will be.
Loading Phillies schedule...
Loading NL East standings...
Support the Mission. Fuel the Movement.
You’re not just funding journalism — you’re backing the future of youth baseball in Philly.
👉 Join us on Patreon »