Could Kyle Schwarber find a new home on the South Side?

Kyle Schwarber is now a free agent after being non-tendered by the Cubs. A pairing with the other MLB team in Chicago makes a ton of sense.

In case you haven’t heard, the Chicago Cubs did not tender Kyle Schwarber a contract on Wednesday, which means he is now a free agent. The beloved Cubbie led the conversation as a slew of notable players met the same fate at the December 2nd non-tender deadline.

Schwarber has had his highs and lows throughout his brief career, but there’s no doubt he’ll hear his share of offers as the offseason marches on. He might not have to go too far to find his new home. In fact, he may be able to keep his home in Chicago if the White Sox make him an offer he can’t refuse.

The Chicago White Sox non-tendered Nomar Mazara, creating an opening in right field. They also declined the 2021 contract option on Edwin Encarnacion, their primary DH this past season. Kyle Schwarber’s most suitable positions are corner outfield and DH. Thus, there is more than one fit for the well-known slugger.

Adding Schwarber would mean adding insult to punishment for the rest of the American League. Chicago’s offense ranked top two in the league in practically every prominent category in 2020. The only two players that held them back happened to be Mazara and Encarnacion, a duo that accounted for only 11 home runs and 34 runs driven in.

Power is Kyle Schwarber’s premier tool. He’s mashed over 25 homers in each of the last three full seasons, including 38 long balls in 2019. He would further inflate the White Sox’s HR totals, and he’ll surely bring more to the plate than the man he replaces.

Furthermore, Chicago could especially benefit from gaining a left-handed bat. They possess three switch-hitters in Yoan Moncada, Yasmani Grandal, and Leury Garcia, though the rest of their crew hits strictly from the right side. Schwarber would not only balance out the lineup, but he’d also bolster an order that was softer against right-handed pitching than left-handed pitching in 2020. The stout lefty flaunts a career .345 OBP and .859 OPS against right-handers.

There’s hardly a reason for the Sox to look beyond Kyle Schwarber. He’s in his prime at 27 years of age, plus many baseball savants believe his best is yet to come. His ceiling is lofty and his floor is competitive; he’s worthy of a respectable contract in 2021.

Few teams have a fit for Schwarber, and those willing to sign him will likely employ the safety net that is a short-term deal. If the White Sox emerge with a four- or five-year offer, they may very well win the auction. Perhaps they could get away with a team option in the final two years, or drive incentives to lessen the risk of the contract.

The Chicago White Sox are more talented than ever. They have the foundation and swagger of a perennial playoff team and eventual champion. Now is the time to refine and upgrade. 25+ home runs and 75+ RBI from Kyle Schwarber will only help their chances.