Will the universal DH cost the Boston Red Sox Kyle Schwarber?

Shortly after the Boston Red Sox were eliminated with the final out of the 2021 American League Championship Series, the prevailing thought was that Kyle Schwarber would be back with the franchise in 2022. However, with the universal designated hitter likely coming to the National League next season, Schwarber’s opportunities to be a DH in both leagues could be enough to cost the Red Sox his services.

Will the Boston Red Sox lose out on Kyle Schwarber because of the designated hitter likely coming to the National League?

In a Boston Globe article from late October, the relationship that quickly developed between Schwarber and the Boston Red Sox after he was acquired by the team in a trade deadline deal with the Washington Nationals was described as “an unexpected hand-in-glove relationship.” After having his Red Sox debut delayed because of a hamstring injury, Schwarber made an impact once he was healthy, slashing .291/.435/.522 with seven home runs and 18 RBI in 134 at-bats. Although he batted just 9-for-44 in the postseason, he still hit three homers and proved to be a threat for the Red Sox every time he stepped to the plate.

But that was then, and this is now. And now includes a real threat for the Red Sox to see that “hand-in-glove relationship” go by the wayside as more opportunities will likely exist for Schwarber’s bat and role with other teams in 2022.

With NL teams preparing for the arrival of the designated hitter, Schwarber is a wanted man. That includes a pursuit by the Philadelphia Phillies, who were reportedly close to signing Schwarber before the current MLB lockout was put into place on December 1. Once the lockout ends, will the Phillies be able to close the deal and bring Schwarber on board for what is rumored to be a three-year deal in the range of $60 million?

Schwarber’s departure from the Red Sox seems to have grown as a much greater possibility as the offseason has gone along. In his most recent look at MLB free agents and potential destinations, Jim Bowden of The Athletic (subscription required) listed five best fits for Schwarber. Boston was the only American League team listed, with the Nationals, St. Louis Cardinals, Milwaukee Brewers, and Colorado Rockies also on the list.

Interestingly, Bowden did not list the Phillies, yet they are widely considered to be the biggest contender for Boston in the race to land Schwarber’s services.

The race to sign Schwarber will quickly pick up once the lockout ends, with Boston hoping to show Schwarber that the good feelings developed during last season’s short tenure together can be the foundation for a long-term relationship.