MLB insider Jayson Stark believes that Philadelphia Phillies' Kyle Schwarber's All-Star MVP has helped his outlook heading into free agency.

Now 32, Schwarber is one of several core Phillies players scheduled to hit free agency after this season, along with catcher J.T. Realmuto and lefty Ranger Suárez. As owner John Middleton said Friday, keeping Schwarber beyond 2025 is a priority. Here's what Middleton told reporters, including the Associated Press:

The Philadelphia Phillies star captured the All-Star Game MVP on Tuesday night for his heroics in the "swing-off," and now he's done something not seen since 1973.

Schwarber enters the second half of the season with 30 home runs and 69 RBIs, helping lead the Phillies to the top of the NL East. He’s hit 46, 47, and 38 homers in each of the past three seasons, and he’s driven in over 100 runs two years in a row. Even with his move from the leadoff spot, his power production hasn’t slowed.

Since Schwarber signed with the Phillies in 2022, he has hit 162 with the club — the third-most home runs in baseball behind only Aaron Judge (192) and Shohei Ohtani (164). His 12 home runs in the postseason since 2022 are tied with teammate Bryce Harper for the most in baseball.

Kyle Schwarber connects with a solo home run to right-center field, giving the Phillies a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the 1st inning

Schwarber, 32, is eligible for free agency after the season. Although there’s mutual interest, talks didn’t progress in spring training, and the sides agreed to table things until after the season.

The Philadelphia Phillies make it clear the goal is to re-sign Kyle Schwarber, so why isn't there already a signature on the dotted line?