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Middletown Today
By the People, for the People
Bryce Harper Surprised by Schwarber's Phillies Return
Phillies star thought hometown Reds would sign the slugger in free agency
Published on Feb. 16, 2026
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Phillies first baseman Bryce Harper expressed surprise that teammate Kyle Schwarber, a former Middletown High School standout, opted to return to Philadelphia instead of signing with his hometown Cincinnati Reds in free agency. Harper said he thought "it was a done deal" that Schwarber would join the Reds.
Why it matters
Schwarber's decision to stay with the Phillies was unexpected, as many assumed the slugger would return to his Ohio roots and sign with the Reds. Harper's comments provide insight into the team's internal discussions and dynamics around Schwarber's free agency.
The details
In an interview, Harper said he "thought Kyle (Schwarber) was going to go to Cincinnati" and "thought it was a done deal." However, Schwarber ultimately signed a five-year, $150 million contract to remain with the Phillies. Harper said he "didn't really talk to him too much" about the decision, as players "are going to do what's best for their family and what's best for their career."
- On February 15, 2026, Bryce Harper made the comments about expecting Schwarber to sign with the Reds.
The players
Bryce Harper
A first baseman for the Philadelphia Phillies.
Kyle Schwarber
A former Middletown High School standout who signed a five-year, $150 million contract to remain with the Phillies.
Cincinnati Reds
The hometown team of Kyle Schwarber, who many expected he would sign with in free agency.
What they’re saying
“I thought Kyle (Schwarber) was going to go to Cincinnati to tell you the truth. I thought it was a done deal.”
— Bryce Harper, Phillies First Baseman (NBC Sports Philadelphia)
The takeaway
Schwarber's decision to stay with the Phillies was unexpected, as his teammate Bryce Harper thought the slugger would return to his Ohio roots and sign with the Reds. This provides insight into the team's internal discussions and dynamics around Schwarber's free agency.
