Kyle Schwarber was warmly welcomed by Boston Red Sox fans upon his arrival before the 2021 trade deadline.
The Sox brought in Schwarber to strengthen their lineup ahead of their 2021 ALCS run, and he delivered. Before the trade, he played in the Nationals’ outfield, posting a .253/.340/.570 batting line with a .910 OPS over 72 games.
Schwarber excelled at Fenway Park and elsewhere during his time with the Red Sox, hitting .291/.435/.522 with a .957 OPS in 41 regular season games. He maintained his performance in the postseason, hitting a home run in each of the Sox’s three playoff rounds leading to the ALCS. Fans quickly nicknamed him “Kyle from Waltham,” making him a beloved figure.
However, after their ALCS exit, the Sox chose not to retain him, a decision that Sean McAdam of MassLive and Red Sox fans continue to question.
The Red Sox should’ve signed Kyle Schwarber long-term after his 2021 success
In his latest column, McAdam calls Boston’s failure to sign Schwarber “a mistake,” though stronger language might be warranted. Over his three years in Philadelphia, the slugger has averaged 44 home runs per season and hit 11 postseason home runs for the Phillies, including one that opened their scoring against the Mets in the NLDS.
Schwarber’s power would fit perfectly with Fenway Park’s dimensions, and he continues to get on base effectively despite a lower batting average and high strikeout rates. In 2024, he led the National League with 106 walks and ranked in the 99th percentile for walk rate in both of his past two seasons.
The 2024 Red Sox struggled with power and consistent offense, contributing to their struggles in the second half. If Boston had signed Schwarber to a long-term deal, he could have provided the much-needed power boost and served as a reliable everyday designated hitter. Given how fans embraced him in 2021, he could have been a star and a favorite in the Sox’s lineup for years to come.
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