Phillies Kyle Schwarber Ranks Among Games Best Designated Hitters

The Philadelphia Phillies (69-47) have gotten an immense amount of offensive production from many spots in their lineup. But, one name that has consistently produced from the lead-off spot of their lineup has been one of the biggest producers. That man is designated hitter Kyle Schwarber.

In a recent article from Bleacher Report, Joel Reuter ranked the game's top 10 players at each position right now. After ranking sixth last month, Kyle Schwarber has now cracked the top five, ranking fifth.

The Phillies signed Schwarber, 31, to a four-year, $79 million deal leading into the 2022 season. In the two seasons before 2024, Schwarber batted .207/.333/.489 with 93 home runs, 198 RBI, 212 walks, and a 125 OPS+ across 1,389 plate appearances in 315 games.

While those two seasons were both great, 2024 has been even better. Entering Saturday, Schwarber has batted .261/.389/.501 with 27 home runs, 73 RBI, 83 walks, and a 148 OPS+. He leads the National League with his 83 walks, as well as leading MLB in leadoff home runs this season with 11.

Unlike most left-handed mashers, Schwarber has been even better against left-handed pitching this season than right handers. In 184 plate appearances against left handed pitching, Schwarber has batted .338/.457/.563 with 10 home runs, 30 RBI, 32 walks, and a 184 OPS+.

Schwarber is a two-time All Star, and an argument could have been made for him to be one this season. He has won one Silver Slugger award in his career, coming in 2022 as an outfielder.

At the rate that Schwarber has played this season, it will not be surprising to see him bring home more hardware come season's end.