"Bowden forecasts Schwarber's contract to be five years at $160 million, good for an average annual value of $32 million. That's a solid deal for Schwarber's level, whose lack of defensive versatility - or any defense at all, really - hurts him when it comes to earning a monster contract. But he's still one of the best power hitters in baseball, and that's what teams want him for."
"The designated hitter is coming off the best season of his career, with a 152 wRC+ and 4.9 fWAR. Schwarber's 56 home runs trailed only Cal Raleigh for the most in MLB, and it was the third time in four seasons he'd hit at least 46 dingers. Though his .240 batting average might not look great to those who pay attention to such things, his high walk rate gave him a .365 OBP that was 50 points above league average."
"Kyle Tucker's likely departure will leave the Cubs looking for a big bat to help the lineup, so bringing Schwarber back for a second stint could be just what the doctor ordered. Jed Hoyer has expressed regret over moving on from Schwarber as unceremoniously as they did, citing budget cuts as the reason they non-tendered the star slugger."
Predicted contract is five years for $160 million, equal to a $32 million average annual value. Defensive limitations and lack of versatility suppress market ceiling, but elite power keeps him in demand. He finished the season with a 152 wRC+ and 4.9 fWAR while hitting 56 home runs, the second-most in MLB, and it was his third time in four seasons with at least 46 homers. A .240 batting average was offset by a high walk rate and a .365 OBP, 50 points above league average. His 434 RBI over four seasons rank fourth and 187 homers trail only Aaron Judge. Left-handed power and a DH profile fit the Cubs' need for a middle-of-the-order slugger.
Read at Cubsinsider
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