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By Drew VonScio
Contributing Sports Writer
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Kyle Schwarber has developed into an all-around hitter and continues to get better as he ages.
His latest development has been something he's struggled with for most of his career: hitting left-handed pitching. However, that changed starting last season and has carried over into this year.
Schwarber has produced 17 home runs this season for the Phillies, and nine of them have came against lefties. His slash line against southpaws has jumped to .317/.456/.794 -- a significant jump even from last season. The change is so drastic that it's affecting how opposing teams pitch to him.
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"That's what we've heard," Thomson told The Philadelphia Inquirer. "You know, some guys have said to some of our coaches, 'There's no way we're putting a lefty on Schwarb.' I guess it depends on who they have in the bullpen."
The uptick in production against lefties comes as the 32-year-old is set for free agency at the end of the season. If the outfielder-turned-DH tests the open market, he could have a lot of suitors that are willing to give him his last big contract.
In a recent article for The Athletic*,* former general manager Jim Bowden noted six teams that could pursue him besides the Phillies: Atlanta Braves, Cincinnati Reds, San Diego Padres, Cleveland Guardians, Detroit Tigers and Kansas City Royals.
Schwarber, despite all of his additional success this season, is staying humble and only focusing on this year for the Phillies.
"All the work — I wouldn't even say even just off lefties — I think just the work continually, keep trying to get better, just the game, and trying to be great for these guys, and trying to help these guys win baseball games, is what it's all about," Schwarber told reporters.
If the Phillies hope to retain Schwarber, extension talks should start sooner rather than later.
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