Phillies Slugger Hints at Monster Year Greater Than His NL-Leading Homer One

Despite some disappointment that permeates based on the Philadelphia Phillies not having one of their marquee offseasons by landing a high-profile player, there is still plenty to be excited about.

They should have one of the best starting rotations in the league after getting Aaron Nola back, their lineup is loaded with star players, and their young players seem poised to take the next step once again.

When it comes to the Phillies' offense, the majority of the attention will be given to Bryce Harper and Trea Turner.

The face of their franchise has delivered since arriving in Philadelphia and Turner is looking to bounce back after a tough first season.

But perhaps nothing gets the fans going more than one of Kyle Schwarber's patented moonshots that's been coined as "Schwarbombs."

Since signing a four-year, $79 million deal with the Phillies prior to the 2022 season, he's been one of the best power hitters in the game.

He led the National League in home runs during his first year with 46 bombs and topped that last season with 47. Both years he finished with the second-most homers in the MLB.

However, the slugger is hinting that he could put together an even greater performance in 2024.

"I definitely feel in a way better spot than last April," he told Todd Zolecki of MLB.com.

Schwarber is alluding to the fact he had to play in left field during the early portion of the season after Rhys Hoskins went down with a torn ACL and Harper was out recovering from Tommy John surgery.

Instead of being the full-time designated hitter like he was signed to be, he had to run around in the outfield.

Perhaps that was a main reason why he had a horrendous batting average of .197.

The slugger has never really hit for average, but that was the worst performance he's had since the COVID-shortened season in 2020.

So, how is he going to improve?

"Trying to obviously get the ball more to left-center field. Not trying to guide [the ball] or anything like that, just being able to [adjust] my swing. If the pitch is away, hit it away. If the pitch is in, pull it," Schwarber said about his approach.

A more rounded hitter is a more dangerous hitter, not that the big lefty needs anymore of an intimidation factor than he already has.

The other thing Philadelphia is working with him on is avoiding two-strike counts and being more aggressive.

He led the MLB in that category, facing two strikes in 433 of his 720 plate appearances according to Zolecki.

This likely factored into Schwarber leading the MLB in strikeouts the past two seasons.

With a change in approach, becoming more aggressive early, and being the full-time designated hitter starting at the beginning of the year, the sky could be the limit for the Phillies' slugger this season.