Rangers should target Kyle Schwarber, Bryce Harper after Phillies' early exit

The Philadelphia Phillies had another early postseason exit this year, as the Atlanta Braves eliminated them with a 2-1 Wild Card Series win. The Phillies haven't won a playoff series since 2023, when they beat the Braves in the National League Division Series before the Arizona Diamondbacks knocked them out in the National League Championship Series. Arizona would, of course, go on to lose the World Series to the Texas Rangers. Philadelphia was eliminated from the 2024 playoffs by the New York Mets in the NLDS, and from the 2025 playoffs by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NLDS.

After several years of disappointment, the Phillies may be looking to make major roster changes. The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal wrote that president Dave Dombrowski has "some massive decisions to make," and "even Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber should be on the table."

If Schwarber and Harper are made available, the Rangers should attempt to acquire one of the veteran stars.

Kyle Schwarber or Bryce Harper could help fix the Rangers' offense

It's no secret that the Rangers need offensive help. This year, the Rangers ranked 25th in runs (673), 20th in OPS (.713), and 21st in strikeouts (1,389). Harper or Schwarber could be a major boost to Texas' lineup.

Unfortunately, the Rangers likely won't acquire Harper or Schwarber due to their contracts. The Rangers have slashed payroll significantly since winning the World Series in 2023, so it's doubtful the organization would be willing to add another expensive aging veteran like Harper or Schwarber. Rangers president of baseball operations Chris Young also said he wants Texas to get "younger and more athletic."

Even so, the Rangers should strongly consider acquiring one of the two Phillies stars if made available. Joc Pederson is about to be a free agent, so there will be room to work Schwarber or Harper into the lineup.

Schwarber is owed $33 million per year through 2030. Harper is owed $27,538,462 per year through 2031. It's worth noting that both players have full no-trade clauses, so they would have to be willing to go to Texas for a trade to happen.

Schwarber, 33, slashed .232/.354/.503 with 45 home runs and 97 RBI. He is a primary DH but also played some first base this year.

Harper, 33, hit .269/.380/.485 with 29 home runs and 87 RBI over 162 games this year. He can play first base and corner outfield. He is a two-time MVP and likely a future Hall of Famer.

What really matters is what direction the Rangers truly want to take. The AL West is wide open, and it's unlikely that Texas can rid itself of the expensive contracts Corey Seager, Jacob deGrom, and Nathan Eovaldi possess. Therefore, trying to contend makes the most sense, and making a play for one of these Phillies' sluggers is the kind of bold move the club should make. The ultimate decider will be Ray Davis, who would need to open up the checkbook big time in order to make this happen. That's probably what kills this dream.

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