Links between the Cincinnati Reds and free agent slugger Kyle Schwarber are not going away. The National League Central team became a surprise contender to land the MVP candidate immediately following the 2025 season. Many baseball insiders, however, believed that Schwarber’s hometown Reds were essentially chasing their white whale.
Nevertheless, Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic is claiming that Cincinnati is very “serious” about signing the veteran hitter. The reporter even asserted that Schwarber is “probably intrigued” about joining the Reds as well. The 32-year-old power hitter grew up just 35 miles from the Queen City and attended Reds games as a kid.
Along with hometown ties, Cincinnati is a fairly attractive destination at the moment. The Reds made the playoffs in 2025 under new manager Terry Francona. The relatively young team has exciting hitters such as Elly De La Cruz, Noelvi Marte, Sal Stewart, and Spencer Steer under contract for at least the next three years. Schwarber is also familiar with the popular Francona after they faced off in the 2016 World Series.
Kyle Schwarber has Heaped Praise on Cincinnati Reds in Recent Months
GettyKyle Schwarber has previously spoken highly of his hometown Cincinnati Reds.
Schwarber has publicly addressed the possibility of signing with the Reds multiple times in recent months. The slugger was previously asked about the team ahead of a matchup between Cincinnati and the Philadelphia Phillies in August.
Schwarber raved about the Reds at the time, specifically pointing to their bright future and Francona’s success as a manager. The veteran ended the conversation by saying, “Who wouldn’t want to play for their hometown team?”
Cincinnati reporters then asked Schwarber once again about the Reds in mid-November. “I grew up going to games there, and I grew up sitting in the bleachers and watching a lot of games,” Schwarber told WLWT-TV in Cincinnati.
“I think the kid would be excited that you have your hometown team that’s calling. Also, being in the profession, knowing a little bit more about the ins and outs, you always have to listen and keep different options open, and just see what happens.”
Schwarber was interviewed while wearing gear from his high school alma mater, Middletown High School. He also admitted that he and his family are expecting to spend a lot of time back in the Middletown area in the future.
Reds Unlikely to Offer Schwarber Highest Contract
Despite the positive update for Reds fans, the Phillies remain the favorites to re-sign Schwarber. As Rosenthal pointed out, money will be a key factor in negotiations for the star. According to The Athletic, Schwarber is predicted to earn a five-year, $145 million contract this offseason. This particular figure would be difficult for the Reds to pay. And Schwarber is unlikely to give Cincinnati a hometown discount.
Reds president of baseball operations Nick Krall admitted in November that the team’s payroll in 2026 is expected to remain about the same as it was in 2025. This means that Cincinnati will likely have to get creative in freeing up funds if it truly wants to target Schwarber. Even if they do offload a player or two, teams like the Phillies, Boston Red Sox, or New York Mets could still outbid the Reds.
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