Reds Rumblings: Could Kyle Schwarber Actually Come Home?
There’s smoke in Cincinnati-and this time, it’s not from fireworks at Great American Ball Park. The Reds are reportedly still in the mix for free agent slugger Kyle Schwarber, and while it may sound like a long shot, the pieces are at least on the table.
Let’s start with the obvious: Schwarber has long been linked to the Queen City. He’s a hometown product with deep ties to the area, and he’s made no secret of his interest in donning a Reds uniform.
From the team’s perspective, the fit is just as clear. Cincinnati needs a big bat in the middle of the order, someone who can change a game with one swing-and Schwarber has made a career out of doing just that.
But here’s the catch: price. Schwarber isn’t coming at a discount.
Industry projections have him landing a deal north of $30 million per year, and that’s rarefied air for a franchise that’s historically shied away from top-tier free agent spending. Joey Votto remains the only player in Reds history to approach that kind of financial commitment.
Still, despite the financial hurdles, the Reds haven’t been ruled out. According to ESPN’s Jeff Passan, Cincinnati is one of several teams still in the running for Schwarber, alongside the Boston Red Sox and New York Mets. The Philadelphia Phillies, his most recent team, are still viewed as the frontrunners to retain him-but the Reds are lurking.
And there’s a timeline developing. MLB insider Jon Morosi reports that Schwarber is expected to sign before fellow free agent slugger Kyle Tucker.
While neither is likely to ink a deal this week, the upcoming MLB Winter Meetings-set to begin December 8 in Orlando-could be the stage for a flurry of high-profile signings. Morosi even teased the possibility of a “Winter Meetings signing extravaganza,” and Schwarber’s name is right in the thick of it.
What Would Schwarber Mean for the Reds?
Let’s not understate it-if the Reds pull this off, it would be a seismic move within the NL Central. Schwarber’s arrival would immediately elevate Cincinnati’s lineup into one of the most dangerous in the division.
He brings left-handed power, postseason experience, and a presence that pitchers have to respect. Slot him into a lineup that already features a young core, and suddenly the Reds look like a team ready to make serious noise.
And the timing couldn’t be better. The division landscape is shifting.
The Cubs are unlikely to bring back Tucker. The Cardinals are offloading veterans.
The Brewers are reportedly shopping their ace. And the Pirates… well, they’re still rebuilding.
The opportunity is there for Cincinnati to step into the NL Central driver’s seat-but it’ll take a bold move to get there.
Why This Might Actually Happen
The Reds don’t typically swim in these waters. But Schwarber’s Cincinnati roots are the X-factor here.
It’s rare that a player of his caliber is not only available, but wants to play for your team. That kind of mutual interest doesn’t come around often, and it’s the one variable that could push this from fantasy to reality.
Now, it’s up to Reds ownership to decide if they’re ready to make that leap. This isn’t just about adding a slugger-it’s about sending a message to the fanbase, to the division, and to the rest of the league: Cincinnati is ready to contend.
The Winter Meetings are just days away. If the Reds are serious about turning the corner, this is the moment to act. And if Schwarber ends up back home, it could be the move that changes everything.