First player Phillies should sign once the lockout ends

Once the MLB lockout ends, the Philadelphia Phillies should sign this free agent player first before anyone else.

MLB and the MLB Player’s Association are meeting on a daily basis this week trying to successfully negotiate the new collective bargaining agreement. With a Feb. 28 deadline looming, fans are holding out hope that the league and player’s union can come to an agreement to ensure the 2022 season starts on time.

Whenever the lockout does end, that means there is going to be a mad dash to sign the remaining free agents before the start of the season. The Philadelphia Phillies watched rivals in the Washington Nationals and Atlanta Braves win the World Series in the past three years. If they want to contend, they need to make a move for one of the most sought-after players on the open market.

We are talking about Kyle Schwarber.

Phillies should make a push to sign Kyle Schwarber after the MLB lockout

Why should the Phillies sign Schwarber? Well, commissioner Rob Manfred revealed that the owners agreed to the return of the universal designated hitter position. That allows the Phillies to add another power bat to their lineup, as they ranked 14th in slugging percentage (.408) and OPS (.726) this past season.

Prior to the lockout, Jim Salisbury of NBC Sports Philadelphia revealed that the team was in pursuit of Schwarber.

Schwarber is coming off a stellar first season away from the Chicago Cubs. In 72 games with the Nationals, Schwarber hit 25 home runs and 53 RB1, resulting in the team trading him to the Boston Red Sox at the deadline. He played a role in the team making it to the postseason, where they made it all the way to the AL Championship Series.

In 113 games, Schwarber slashed .266/.374/.554 while recording 32 home runs, 71 RBI and 106 hits.

Philadelphia landing Schwarber could be huge for them, but they are going to have some competition in the NL, as the Colorado Rockies and Miami Marlins were also linked to him in free agency.