The longer Kyle Schwarber waits to sign, the more the Philadelphia Phillies should be concerned that he may not end up in the City of Brotherly Love in 2026. With that, Dave Dombrowski must have a backup plan in place in case he loses out on the National League MVP finalist.

Thankfully, there is one free agent on the market that could be a great fit with the Phillies in the event that Schwarber leaves: Pete Alonso.

The Phillies Should Consider Signing Pete Alonso, If Kyle Schwarber Leaves

The primary threat the Phillies would be losing if Schearber ends up elsewhere next season is a pure home run threat at the top of the lineup. Alonso may not be as good a hitter as Schwarber, but he keeps a power threat in place as protection for Bryce Harper and Trae Turner. 

Alonso has a career .857 OPS, and is coming off a 2025 season in which he slashed .272/.347/.524 with 38 home runs and a career-high 41 doubles. In many ways, this was the Polar Bear’s most well-rounded season to date.

Plus, Alonso has a 50+ home runs season on his resume, just like Schwarber does. Again, the long-time Phillies slugger is objectively the better hitter, but Philadelphia wouldn’t be losing much with signing Alonso in Schwarber’s place.

A benefit of signing Alonso that the Phillies don’t have with Schwarber is a bit of defensive versatility.

Yes, Alonso is a first baseman, and Philadelphia does already have Harper at the position. However, letting these two platoon the position could be the best way to get the most out of them through a full 162-game season by getting them off their feet in the field every few games.

While Schwarber has tried playing first base at times, he’s much better suited as a full-time designated hitter.

Overall, bringing back Schwarber should be a priority. He has an impact on the locker room and city that goes well beyond the field. But in the event that he signs with another team, Alonso could be a great backup option for the Phillies.