CINCINNATI – While it might have seemed like a longshot going into the offseason, don’t count out the Reds in the pursuit of free-agent slugger Kyle Schwarber.
Multiple sources told MLB.com that the Reds remain among the teams trying to sign Schwarber and are still in contention for one of this winter’s top free agents.
In just about every way possible, Schwarber would be a perfect fit for the Reds. The left-handed-hitting designated hitter hails from nearby Middletown, Ohio, and grew up going to Great American Ball Park. He is noted to be a great veteran clubhouse presence, which Cincinnati’s young group could use.
Cincinnati also has a big need for more offense after it ranked 21st in homers and 19th in OPS during the 2025 season. The team had trouble scoring in situational hitting moments and late in games, especially in extra innings. Having Schwarber hitting behind Elly De La Cruz would potentially lift the All-Star shortstop’s offensive numbers.
De La Cruz was the team leader in homers with 22. That included just four homers after the All-Star break, when he started to see more offspeed pitches.
Schwarber, who turns 33 in March, led the National League with 56 homers and the Majors with 132 RBIs last season for the Phillies and was fifth in MLB with a .928 OPS. He batted .240 and, like De La Cruz, played all 162 games in 2025.
During his four seasons with Philadelphia, Schwarber has averaged 46.8 homers and 108.5 RBIs with an .856 OPS.
One way Schwarber isn’t a perfect fit is financially. The Reds’ 2026 payroll is expected to be around the same as it was in 2025 – around $112 million on Opening Day. The team also has other needs to fill, namely in the bullpen and specifically the closer’s role. Adding Schwarber would probably take up a large chunk of that budget.
While there’s no word on the offers being made, Cincinnati would likely have to get creative in order to land Schwarber over the big market teams.
