As the Philadelphia Phillies emerged from the Iowa cornfields ahead of Thursday night’s Field of Dreams matchup against the Minnesota Twins, two familiar sluggers once again stood at the center of the spotlight: Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber.
Schwarber wasted little time making his presence felt. Just three pitches into the game, the powerful left-handed hitter launched a line drive back toward the cornfields he had just walked through. He finished the night with two home runs and three RBIs, powering the Phillies’ offense. Harper did not leave the yard, but he still contributed with a run, an RBI, a single and a walk.
With 38 games remaining in the regular season, the Phillies’ two biggest offensive stars are closing in on one of baseball’s most prestigious milestones: 400 career home runs. And while the chase is personal, it could have major consequences for Philadelphia’s postseason hopes.
THE PHILLIES’ RACE TO 400
Schwarber currently leads the Phillies with 37 home runs this season. After entering the All-Star break with 32, his production slowed considerably during a difficult stretch that included a gastrointestinal issue and an extended slump.
But signs of a turnaround have emerged at the perfect time. Schwarber has produced two multi-home-run games over the past week, including his explosive performance against Minnesota.
The latest homers moved Schwarber to 377 for his career, leaving him just 23 away from the 400 mark.
Harper, meanwhile, has a significant advantage in the race. The longtime Phillies superstar has accumulated more career home runs because he entered the major leagues three seasons earlier than Schwarber. His 25 home runs this season have pushed his career total to 388, leaving him only 12 away from 400.
That means Harper needs to hit 12 home runs over the final 38 games, while Schwarber would need 23.
Neither feat is impossible, but both would require an exceptional finish.
HARPER HAS A BETTER SHOT — BUT HEALTH MATTERS
For Harper, 12 home runs in 38 games is certainly within the realm of possibility. However, his recent position change could complicate the chase.
After moving back to right field following the trade deadline, Harper has dealt with soreness in his left knee. The Phillies have also shown a willingness to use defensive replacements for him late in games.
Every missed at-bat matters when a player is chasing a milestone.
Schwarber faces an even steeper challenge. Reaching 400 this season would require him to hit 23 home runs in 38 games. That pace would be extraordinary, even for one of baseball’s most dangerous power hitters.
Sixty home runs would also represent the highest single-season total of Schwarber’s career.
If Harper and Schwarber somehow reach 400 in the same season, they would become only the second pair of teammates in MLB history to accomplish the feat. Paul Konerko and Adam Dunn previously achieved the milestone together in 2012.
HARPER AND SCHWARBER ARE NOT ALONE
Several other stars are also approaching 400 career home runs in 2026.
Manny Machado appears to be the closest. The San Diego Padres infielder has hit 23 home runs this season and needs only eight more to reach 400.
Paul Goldschmidt is also within striking distance, sitting 12 home runs away after hitting 16 this season.
Aaron Judge would have been part of the conversation, but his injury has affected his chances. Freddie Freeman remains another player to watch. The Dodgers star has hit 15 home runs this season and needs 18 more to reach 400.
Still, Harper and Schwarber are the pair receiving the most attention because their individual milestone chase is directly connected to Philadelphia’s postseason push.
THE PHILLIES NEED THEIR BIG BATS NOW
The Phillies cannot afford to treat the race to 400 as merely a celebration of individual accomplishments.
Their season may depend on it.
Philadelphia has gone 33-13 in games this season when at least one of Harper or Schwarber has homered. When neither player goes deep, the Phillies have struggled considerably, posting a 33-45 record.
The message is clear: when Harper and Schwarber produce power, the Phillies usually win.
Philadelphia is currently battling for a National League Wild Card position, with the Padres and Diamondbacks also in the mix. The Phillies hold the tiebreaker over San Diego but not Arizona, while the Braves remain comfortably ahead in the NL East.
With time running out, the Phillies need their biggest stars to deliver.
Harper reaching 400 would be a remarkable accomplishment. Schwarber joining him would be even more impressive. But for Philadelphia, the ultimate milestone is not 400 home runs.
It is another October run.
The Phillies have the star power and payroll to compete. Now, with the regular season entering its final stretch, their postseason hopes may rest on the bats of Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber.
The race to 400 is exciting. The race to October is what really matters.
