Phillies’ Kyle Schwarber, Cristopher Sánchez NL MVP, Cy Young Finalists

The Philadelphia Phillies’ 2025 season ended on a bittersweet note — a promising campaign cut short by a playoff loss to the eventual World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers. Still, Phillies fans have plenty to celebrate.

Three key figures — slugger Kyle Schwarber, pitcher Cristopher Sánchez, and manager Rob Thomson — now stand as finalists for Major League Baseball’s most coveted awards. Even in defeat, the team’s individual brilliance shines through.

Kyle Schwarber’s Historic Power Surge Earns MVP Nod

Kyle Schwarber has been one of the league’s most feared power hitters for years, but 2025 felt different. He blasted a staggering 56 home runs and led all of baseball with 132 RBIs.

Schwarber’s impact wasn’t just about power. He finished with a .240/.365/.563 slash line and a .928 OPS.

This standout year earned him his third All-Star selection and, for the first time, a spot as an MVP finalist.

Free Agency Looms After Career-Best Year

Schwarber’s MVP buzz comes as he heads for free agency. At 32 years old and fresh off his best season yet, his market value is sky-high.

Can Philadelphia keep him? That’s the question fans and analysts keep asking. He’ll go up against MVP favorites Shohei Ohtani of the Dodgers and Juan Soto of the Mets, with the winner revealed on November 13.

Cristopher Sánchez Steps into Ace Role with Cy Young Performance

The Phillies’ rotation took a hit when veteran ace Zack Wheeler got injured. Cristopher Sánchez didn’t flinch — he stepped up and delivered.

The lefty posted a sharp 13-5 record, a tiny 2.50 ERA, and racked up 212 strikeouts in 202 innings. He kept hitters guessing and went deep into games, carving out his place among baseball’s elite arms.

Sánchez ranked near the top in almost every key pitching category in the National League. His Cy Young finalist nod feels well-earned.

The Competition for NL Cy Young Honors

Sánchez faces tough competition for the league’s top pitching award. He’ll go up against rookie phenom Paul Skenes of the Pirates and international star Yoshinobu Yamamoto of the Dodgers.

The winner gets announced on November 12. Sánchez’s breakout year has made him a real force among big-league southpaws.

Rob Thomson’s Steady Leadership Earns Manager of the Year Nomination

Individual performances grabbed headlines, but the Phillies owe a lot to manager Rob Thomson. He’s guided the team to its second straight NL East title and at least 90 wins in each of his three full seasons.

Thomson’s calm style and sharp decision-making have built a winning culture. He’s managed to balance veteran leadership with rising talent, and his Manager of the Year nomination feels like a well-deserved nod.

Building on a Strong Foundation

Thomson is up against other respected NL managers, with results coming on November 11. No matter what happens, it’s hard to argue the Phillies’ window is closing anytime soon.

Final Thoughts: A Season of Highs and Lows

The Phillies’ 2025 campaign ended earlier than anyone wanted. Still, the season overflowed with individual achievements and moments that really fired up the fan base.

• Kyle Schwarber crushed a historic number of home runs and now sits in the MVP conversation.
• Cristopher Sánchez stepped up as an ace and has earned serious Cy Young buzz.
• Rob Thomson kept the team winning and grabbed a Manager of the Year nomination.

Now, everyone’s waiting for those November award announcements. Phillies fans have plenty to be proud of, seeing their stars get recognized with the game’s best.

The offseason looms, and let’s be honest—what happens with the roster, especially Schwarber’s future, could totally change the team’s direction for 2026.

 
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