Now 32, Schwarber is one of several core Phillies players scheduled to hit free agency after this season, along with catcher J.T. Realmuto and lefty Ranger Suárez. As owner John Middleton said Friday, keeping Schwarber beyond 2025 is a priority. Here's what Middleton told reporters, including the Associated Press:

Schwarber enters the second half of the season with 30 home runs and 69 RBIs, helping lead the Phillies to the top of the NL East. He’s hit 46, 47, and 38 homers in each of the past three seasons, and he’s driven in over 100 runs two years in a row. Even with his move from the leadoff spot, his power production hasn’t slowed.

The Phillies aren’t ready to say goodbye to Kyle Schwarber’s four-year, $79-million contract that expires at the end of the season.