Zack Wheeler offered a friendly warning on Thursday afternoon to Phillies first baseman Kyle Schwarber. “I just told him I wasn’t getting over there today,” the pitcher said about covering first base.

It had been three years since Kyle Schwarber played a competitive inning at first base. But that’s where Schwarber started the Phillies’ 7-7 tie with the Yankees on Thursday. It was his first time at the position since the 2021 postseason with the Red Sox.

Schwarber has the team in mind, but adding first base isn't the worst idea going into a contract year. This spring, he has a modest mission.

Schwarber is entering the final season of his four-year free agent deal. The $79MM investment has paid off handsomely for the Phillies. He has hit .221/.344/.488 with 131 homers in a little more than 2000 plate appearances. Only Aaron Judge and Shohei Ohtani have hit more home runs over the last three seasons.

Phillies teams with Schwarber leading off have been successful, but it might be time to shuffle up that part of the lineup.

The Phillies and Kyle Schwarber have had “broad” discussions about a contract extension this spring, writes Matt Gelb of The Athletic. Schwarber had told reporters a couple weeks ago that he was open to conversations.

With a 95-67 record, the Philadelphia Phillies won the National League East in 2024. If the Phillies are going to defend their division crown this year, it is critical that they keep their stars healthy and on the field.