"If he is David Ortiz 2.0" - Rockies insider builds case for star free agent's Hall of Fame future

Colorado Rockies insider Patrick Lyons hinted at an ambitious ceiling for Kyle Schwarber. The 32-year-old free agent slugger is coming off his career-best season, placing second behind Shohei Ohtani in the 2025 NL MVP voting.

Lyons believes that Schwarber's long-term value could exceed what the traditional aging curve predicts. He sees Red Sox legend and Hall of Famer David Ortiz's career as a precursor for Schawrber.

Lyons is the national columnist for Just Baseball. He was the Rockies beat writer for DNVR from 2018 to 2023. The insider shared his thoughts about Schwarber's Hall of Fame potential on Friday's episode of "Rockies Insider."

"Zack Rosenthal (former Rockies front office executive) being asked last Tuesday about who is the most coveted free agent this offseason and key word is most coveted free agent, not who's going to make the most money, but who's the most coveted and he said Kyle Schwarber," Lyons said (Timestamp 3:36). "And I cannot disagree at all there."

Lyons pointed out that Schwarber won't likely earn a bigger contract than the younger free agents like Bo Bichette, Dylan Cease and others. However, he said the 2025 NL MVP runner-up is a winning player, evidenced by his stints with the Cubs and Phillies.

"And I say that he might not help his next team in the next four or five years, but if he continues to age as gracefully as someone like a David Ortiz," Lyons said. "If he's David Ortiz 2.0, then yeah, in five years he can still be a major value to his next team."

The insider noted that a 40-year-old Ortiz recorded a 5.1 WAR in his final MLB season. He admits that Schwarber's current accolades won't be enough to enter Cooperstown, but having a career like Ortiz's, who played well into his late 30s, will build a case.

The insider also noted that modern Hall of Fame standards have shifted away from rigid milestones, further helping Schwarber's case.

Former Rockies VP hails Kyle Schwarber

Former Rockies VP and AGM of Baseball Operations Zack Rosenthal believes Kyle Schwarber is the most coveted free agent this offseason. Rosenthal shares his thoughts on Nov. 18 episode of "MLB Hot Stove," hosted by Harold Reynolds and Matt Vasgersian.

"The guy can really hit," Rosenthal said. "He can change a lineup. He can change the attitude of a clubhouse. We have seen that happen. What he did in Philly, I would every team in the league would love to have him on their roster."

Rosenthal acknowledged that Schwarber will be 33 next year, but said that the All-Star slugger is still improving. Harold Reynolds had earlier compared Schwarber to David Ortiz and Rosenthal agreed that the assessment is fair.