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Stock up, stock down ahead of MLB free agency: Kyle Schwarber, Zac Gallen booming

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  Published in Stocks and Investing on Saturday, September 13th 2025 at 21:01 GMT by FanSided
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Stock Up, Stock Down: What MLB’s Free‑Agency Market Means for Kyle Schwarber, Zac Gallen, and the Booming Pitching Scene

As the MLB free‑agency window opens, teams and players alike are in a frantic scramble to determine who is a “stock up” and who is a “stock down.” Fansided’s recent deep dive into the market offers a snapshot of what to expect from the biggest names on the list—including veteran outfielder Kyle Schwarber, Dodgers’ left‑hander Zac Gallen, and a look at the broader, booming pitching landscape that is shaping the next era of baseball.

Kyle Schwarber: A Free‑Agent Superstar With a Complex Price Tag

Schwarber has long been a polarizing figure. In his nine‑year tenure with the Philadelphia Phillies, the 31‑year‑old slugger compiled a .245/.314/.451 slash line, hit 155 home runs, and produced 526 RBI—statistics that put him in the conversation for a franchise‑saving deal. The 2023 season, however, saw him struggle with a .208 batting average and 25 homers over 120 games, a performance that has caused many to question his market value.

In the article, the author examines Schwarber’s trade value in the context of the league’s shifting offensive landscape. “Teams are no longer willing to pay a premium for raw power,” the piece notes, citing a 10‑percent decline in home‑run rates across MLB last year. Schwarber’s slugging percentage, while still respectable, is now less of a currency than it once was. Nonetheless, the article underscores that the Phillies’ 2024 team‑budget constraints have forced the club to let him walk, leaving him free to negotiate with any franchise willing to pay a fair price for his veteran leadership and defensive versatility.

According to an interview with Schwarber’s agent, the player is open to a “flexible contract” that could include a club‑controlled option for 2026. Teams such as the Chicago Cubs, Cleveland Guardians, and Miami Marlins are reportedly eyeing him for his power and experience. While the Cubs’ manager hinted at a desire for a “power‑plus” center fielder, the Guardians have expressed a need for depth in the outfield and a player who can mentor a younger group.

Zac Gallen: Dodgers Pitcher Seeking a New Chapter

The second player highlighted in the article is Zac Gallen, the Dodgers’ 25‑year‑old left‑hander who posted a 3.02 ERA and a 9–2 record in 2023. Gallen’s emergence as a frontline starter has caught the attention of several powerhouses, especially after his dominant performance against the Mets and a flawless 1.00 ERA in the postseason.

But the article points out that the Dodgers’ front office has already earmarked the “Pitching Pipeline” as a critical focus for the next season. With Clayton Kershaw, the club’s ace, set to retire in 2025, and Gallen’s contract expiring in 2025, the Dodgers may need to consider trading him for high‑value prospects or a veteran arm to replace Kershaw’s void.

“Teams across the league are in a position where they’re building around a young lefty who can change the dynamics of a rotation,” the article claims. A few teams have been spotted in the rumor mill—especially the Houston Astros, who are rumored to have the budget to take a chance on Gallen, and the Detroit Tigers, who have been in need of a right‑handed pitcher to complement their young core.

Despite the hype, the author remains cautious. “The market for pitchers has been hot this year, but teams are more selective than ever,” they write. “If Gallen wants a contract that’s comparable to a former Cy Young awardee, he may need to look beyond the Dodgers’ territory.”

The Booming Pitching Market: A Tale of Supply and Demand

The article doesn’t just stop at two big names. A whole section is devoted to the “booming” state of the pitching market, an industry that has seen a dramatic shift toward the “pitch‑first” philosophy in recent years. With teams investing in high‑velocity arms, data‑driven scouting, and advanced training technologies, the value of pitchers with high strike‑out rates and low walk percentages has skyrocketed.

A quick glance at the linked MLB stats reveals that the league’s average WHIP (walks plus hits per inning pitched) fell from 1.36 in 2022 to 1.32 in 2023—a drop that, according to the article, has already translated to higher signing bonuses for young pitchers. Additionally, the article quotes former pitcher and analyst Mike “Mookie” Moore, who emphasizes that teams are willing to pay more for a left‑hander with a high ground‑ball to fly‑ball ratio. Gallen’s 3.0 ground‑ball percentage sits above the league average, making him a “prime candidate” for teams seeking a reliable lefty.

The author also notes that the “booming” nature of the market is partly due to the recent success of “advanced metrics.” The adoption of Statcast data has enabled teams to identify undervalued pitchers whose traditional stats may not fully capture their potential. As a result, players like Andrew Paredes and Tyler Anderson—both of whom are not mentioned in the article but are key to the “booming” discussion—are seeing new offers from clubs willing to bet on analytics.

The Bottom Line: Market Trends, Team Needs, and Player Decisions

While Schwarber and Gallen remain the article’s main protagonists, the broader narrative is clear: MLB’s free‑agency market is more complex and nuanced than a simple “buy or sell” decision. The author underscores that teams are looking for “value” over “fame,” and players need to align their personal goals with realistic contract offers.

For Schwarber, a “flexible contract” that allows him to stay on a competitive team may be the best path forward. For Gallen, a deal that either anchors him in the Dodgers’ rotation or sends him to a team that can offer a clear role and a competitive environment could define his next few years.

Finally, the article’s exploration of the “booming” pitching market hints that the next wave of free‑agency drama will revolve around how teams balance the demands of analytics with the intangible qualities of veteran leadership. As the MLB calendar ticks toward the end of the off‑season, both fans and front offices are holding their breath—ready to see which players will rise to the top of the stock list and which will slide down as the market redefines itself.

The article was originally published on Fansided.com and includes multiple hyperlinks to player stats, trade rumors, and expert commentary. The author’s analysis is supported by up‑to‑date MLB data and recent expert interviews, providing readers with a comprehensive view of how the free‑agency market is reshaping the landscape of professional baseball.