CLEARWATER, Fla. -- Bryce Harper approves.
"This is huge for us," the most impactful Phillies player and voice said after learning that the team and free-agent slugger Kyle Schwarber had come to an agreement on a deal Wednesday morning.
"He's a big bat in the lineup and a proven winner everywhere he's gone.
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"You had to trust in what (president of baseball ops Dave) Dombrowski was going to do for us. This was a huge void for us. Seeing that the Braves and Mets were getting a lot better, we had to stay up on them."
Once a review of medical information is completed, Schwarber will receive a four-year deal worth $79 million, according to a baseball source. That will leave the Phils about $10 million under the $230 competitive balance tax threshold.
"Hopefully we're not done and we can go out and get another guy and see where we go," Harper said. "Anything that is going to help us win and make us better, anyone from pitching to defense to hitting. Whatever Dombrowski thinks will help us."
The addition of Schwarber ostensibly completes the Phillies' starting outfield. Schwarber will play left field with Harper in right. The team plans to platoon Odubel Herrera and Matt Vierling in center field.
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As far as the rest of the diamond, there are some questions on the left side of the infield. The plan, for now, appears to call for veteran Didi Gregorius to return at shortstop with Alec Bohm at third. Bryson Stott could change the math if he looks ready during the Grapefruit League. That could push Gregorius to third and Bohm back to Triple A.
Schwarber's left-handed power bat will fit in nicely around Harper, who hits left-handed, and Rhys Hoskins and J.T. Realmuto, who both hit from the right side. In addition to power -- he's had seasons of 30, 38 and 32 homers -- Schwarber will bring strong on-base skills to the Phillies' lineup. He has some history batting leadoff and could fill that role for the Phillies, who struggled mightily there last season. Schwarber saw extensive time in the leadoff spot with Washington last season, including in the month of June when he belted 16 homers for the Nationals.
"Anywhere he hits, he'll help us," Harper said. "I think he'll thrive in our ballpark."
Schwarber ranked high on the Phillies' offseason wish list not just for his offense, but also for his competitiveness and postseason resume. He's played in the postseason five times, including last season with Boston. He won a World Series with the Chicago Cubs in 2016.
"He's been around a lot of good players and a lot of good teams," Harper said. "He's going to fit well in this clubhouse."
Schwarber also ranked high on Harper's personal wish list. Earlier this week, the reigning National League MVP spoke out in favor of adding Schwarber, Nick Castellanos or Kris Bryant. Harper said he also spoke about those three players with Dombrowski and owner John Middleton on Tuesday.
"In this clubhouse, we're here to win," Harper said. "I know the fans want us to be a winning team and this organization wants us to win, so being able to add someone like (Schwarber) is going to help so much."
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