Tape Measure Shots: Kyle Schwarber's Body & Baseball Transformation

It was 2013 in the press box of Dick Howser Stadium in Tallahassee, Florida where I first witnessed the sheer power behind Kyle Schwarber's bat.

Postseason baseball had long become a mainstay in Tallahassee and the hype behind the Indiana slugger was high coming into the Regional contest. Florida State University fielded five players that would later end up on a Major League Baseball (MLB) roster with former first-round draft pick and current New York Yankees ' reliever Luke Weaver on the hill to start for the Seminoles.

Weaver got the best of Schwarber - the second hitter of the ball game - in the first with a 3-6-3 double play ball, but the Ohio native would soon get to his showcase his strength for the full house at Dick Howser.

Back up in the fourth, Schwarber dug in, worked a seven pitch at-bat, then took a mighty hack that put the ball over the 30-foot high fence in right field and into the nearby circus tent some 400-plus feet away from home plate. The crowd, while left stunned, still managed to erupt in awe and disbelief - for the collective knew they had just witnessed a "Casey at the Bat" level feat.

This was far from the beginning of Schwarber's entanglement with greatness and untraditional success. With the continuously forming ideas that sprouted from the film iteration of Michael Lewis' Moneyball, Schwarber found himself smack in the middle of how teams - then and now - value and prioritize top of the lineup hitters.

Over the years, Schwarber underwent a significant body transformation, shedding weight and improving his athleticism to enhance both his power and overall performance. This dedication to his fitness not only extended his career but also redefined him as a more versatile player.

Here, we'll explore how his focus on nutrition and exercise has been a launchpad on the way to the record books.

From Indiana to the Majors: Call Up and Transformation

At Indiana University, Schwarber quickly made a name for himself with his elite power at the plate. Scouts saw his potential early on, noting his raw strength and bat speed, even though he wasn’t the most agile player. His standout performance in college baseball put him on the radar of MLB teams, and in 2014, he was drafted by the Chicago Cubs as the fourth overall pick.

Schwarber made his MLB debut in 2015 with the Cubs, where he immediately showcased his slugging ability. However, in 2016, Schwarber suffered a devastating knee injury that sidelined him for most of the season. Remarkably, he returned just in time for the Cubs’ historic World Series victory, making a significant impact despite not being fully physically optimized.

After several seasons, Schwarber recognized that his size was limiting his mobility, especially defensively and on the base paths. Following the 2019 season, he committed to a major transformation, shedding 20-30 pounds to enhance his athleticism and overall performance. This wasn’t about simply losing weight—it was about becoming a better-rounded player.

World Series Champion and Improving Performance

Schwarber’s clutch performance in the 2016 World Series played a pivotal role in breaking the Cubs’ 108-year championship drought, solidifying his status as a big-game player.

In 2021, Schwarber joined the Philadelphia Phillies , where he once again became a central figure. In 2022, Schwarber set the MLB record for most home runs in a season by a lead-off hitter, an incredible feat for a player who redefined what it means to be at the top of the lineup. In addition, during the 2024 regular season campaign, he notched 15 lead-off home runs passing former Yankee Alfonso Soriano for most in a single season.

His combination of power, agility, and plate discipline provided the Phillies with an edge throughout the season.

Schwarber’s Influence on MLB’s Fitness Culture

Schwarber’s body transformation is a reflection of a larger shift happening in MLB, where fitness and wellness are becoming more critical to player success. Teams are investing in strength and conditioning programs designed to optimize performance on and off the field. Players now focus on body recomposition—the process of losing fat while gaining or maintaining muscle mass—to improve speed, endurance, and overall functionality.

What is a Body Recomposition?

Body recomposition is the strategic process of simultaneously losing fat and gaining muscle. The key is to maintain muscle mass while burning fat, which improves body composition without sacrificing strength. For Schwarber, this meant becoming a more agile player while retaining the power that made him a star.

How You Can Start Your Own Body Recomposition

You don’t need to be an elite athlete to achieve body recomposition. Here’s how you can start:

1. Calories: To lose fat, aim for 10-12 calories per pound of body weight.
2. Protein: Eat 1 gram of protein per pound of body weight to preserve muscle.
3. Exercise: Incorporate 45-60 minutes of exercise per day, with a mix of weight training and cardio to build muscle and burn fat.
4. Step Count: Aiming for 8,000-12,000 steps per day will not only help you shed weight, but also has an immense amount of cognitive benefits.

The Final Cut

Kyle Schwarber’s transformation is proof that fitness isn’t just about weight loss—it’s about optimizing your body for better performance. His journey, from a power hitter at Indiana University to a more complete athlete in MLB, shows that with commitment to fitness and body recomposition, anyone can improve their functionality, health, and performance. Whether you’re an athlete or simply looking to get in shape, the principles that helped Schwarber become a more versatile player can help you transform your own body, too.

Song of the Day: Strong - Greenwheel

Sources: MLB.com , FanGraphs.com , Baseball-Reference.com , Chicago Cubs YouTube , ESPN - Box Score: IND vs. FSU