Phillies' Kyle Schwarber wins 2025 MLB All-Star Game MVP with 3 homers in first swing-off

Yahoo

18-07-2025

Philadelphia Phillies designated hitter Kyle Schwarber came up big when the National League needed him most.
With the score tied 6-6 after nine innings, the 2025 MLB All-Star Game at Truist Field in Atlanta on July 15 went to a tiebreaker swing-off for the first time.
That's when Schwarber made history, hitting three home runs in the swing-off to secure the NL win and All-Star Game MVP.
Who won the 2025 MLB All-Star Game?
The National League secured the victory after winning the swing-off 4-3 thanks to three home runs by Schwarber.
The game went to the tiebreaker after the NL coughed up a two-run lead in the top of the ninth.
All it took were three Schwarbombs to put the NL ahead for good.
Kyle Schwarber named 2025 MLB All-Star Game MVP
Despite going 0-2 with a walk in the game, Schwarber's heroics in the swing-off earned him MVP honors.
After Schwarber stepped to the plate, he hit the first pitch he saw 428 feet to dead center field.
After taking a pitch, Schwarber hit a 461-foot blast to right center to tie it.
"That's MVP material if he gets a third one right here," said John Smoltz, Fox commentator and former Atlanta Braves ace.
Schwarber took a few more pitches before completing the hat trick when he dropped to one knee and hit a 382-foot homer into the right field seats.
"Unbelievable," Smoltz said.
Schwarber became the first Phillie to win MVP honors since outfielder Johnny Callison in 1964.
Callison hit a three-run, walk-off home run off Boston Red Sox pitcher Dick Radatz in the ninth to give the NL a 7-4 win at Shea Stadium in New York.
MLB All-Star Game extra innings
The NL jumped out to an early 2-0 lead in the first inning thanks to a two-run double by Arizona Diamondbacks second baseman Ketel Marte.
In the sixth inning, the NL busted the game open with a three-run home run by New York Mets first baseman Pete Alonso and a solo shot by Diamondbacks outfielder Corbin Carroll.
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The American League struck back in the seventh with four runs following a three-run homer by Athletics DH Brent Rooker and an RBI fielder's choice by Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr.
In the top of the ninth, the AL tied it up with an RBI double from Witt and an infield single by Cleveland Guardians outfielder Steven Kwan off San Diego Padres closer Robert Suárez.
After the NL went scoreless in the bottom half, it was time for the swing-off.
What is the MLB swing-off?
The swing-off was added to the All-Star game this year in case of a tiebreaker instead of going to extra innings.
The AL and NL each pick three players, who each get three swings to try to hit a home run.
In the swing-off, the AL selected Seattle Mariners outfielder Randy Arozarena, Tampa Bay Rays first baseman Jonathan Aranda and Rooker while the NL chose Miami Marlins outfielder Kyle Stowers, Schwarber and Alonso.
Rooker put the AL up early with two homers and Stowers homered for the NL before Arozarena added another. Then Schwarber came to the plate and hit three moonshots to put the NL ahead for good.
Alonso didn't have to bat as Aranda went homerless after hitting the top of the right field wall, securing the NL's first All-Star win in three years.
Why wasn't Kyle Schwarber in Home Run Derby?
Unlike last year, no Phillies participated in this year's derby, which was held July 14 and won by Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh.
Schwarber ended the first half with 30 home runs, which is third in the NL and fifth in MLB.
The DH participated in the 2022 derby at Dodger Stadium and finished runner-up as a Chicago Cub to Bryce Harper, who bested his future teammate in Washington in 2018 while a member of the Nationals.
However, Schwarber declined an invite and instead suggested he might consider participating next season when the 96th All-Star Game comes to Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia.
2026 MLB All-Star Game at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia
While the fan favorite is a pending free agent at the end of the season, Phillies fans hope the slugger re-signs and returns to the Home Run Derby next year.
With the country's semiquincentennial, or 250th anniversary, coming in 2026, the All-Star Game will come back to Philly for the first time since 1996.
It will be the first time the Midsummer Classic will be at CBP after the previous two All-Star games hosted by the City of Brotherly Love took place at Veterans Stadium.
Before being held at the Vet in 1976 in honor of the country's 200th birthday, the two other All-Star games were held at Shibe Park in 1943 and 1952.
This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Who won All-Star Game MVP? Phillies' Kyle Schwarber wins swing-off