One bold DH swing would redefine the Padres’ 2026 lineup

The San Diego Padres have an opportunity to make a league-shifting move in the 2025-26 offseason, and revamp their lineup to make it as competitive as it ever has been with the Dodgers.

That move would be signing Kyle Schwarber to be their DH for the next five years. Schwarber has been among the best players in the MLB since he broke out in Chicago, and is arguably the best power-hitter in the national league. With 46 home runs in 2022, 47 home runs in 2023, and 56 home runs in 2025 Schwarber's power is well-established.

Padres signing Kyle Schwarber would redefine their 2026 lineup

The Padres, on the other hand, need power in their lineup badly. San Diego was 28th in the league in home runs last year, and 22nd in slugging percentage. Their biggest weakness in 2025 was their lack of longballs, which at times tanked the lineup. Adding Schwarber would help buck that trend.

Adding Schwarber to the lineup could also help take some of the pressure off the rest of the Padres' stars. Manny Machado, Fernando Tatis Jr, and Xander Bogaerts would not have to be the heroes as often with Schwarber in the mix.

And Schwarber is not just a one-trick pony. For as good of a power hitter as he is, Schwarber also has one of the best eyes in the league. He led the league with 106 walks in 2024. He walked even more in 2023 and 2025, with 126 walks in '23 and 108 walks in '25.

Schwarber is a bit of a three-true-outcomes player, with plenty of strikeouts to his name as well. But with his ability to draw walks and hit home runs at elite rates, the strikeouts are worth it.

Schwarber would come at a cost, with an estimated salary of $25 million according to Sportrac. However, if the Padres are serious about contending in 2026 and beyond, they need to be willing to take big swings in free agency. Schwarber would be a risk, but he's worth it.