The Cincinnati Reds are actively pursuing free-agent designated hitter Kyle Schwarber, the hometown slugger from nearby Middletown, Ohio. Despite financial challenges, the team sees him as a key addition to their young lineup under manager Terry Francona. The Philadelphia Phillies remain the frontrunners with a likely higher offer.
The Cincinnati Reds are making a strong push to sign free-agent designated hitter Kyle Schwarber, who hails from Middletown, Ohio, just 35 miles north of Cincinnati. According to sources, Schwarber is interested in a potential homecoming that could transform the Reds' young lineup. The team improved from 77 to 83 wins in 2025, their first season under respected manager Terry Francona, and boasts a talented core with most position players under control through at least 2028.
Key young talents include shortstop Elly De La Cruz, right fielder Noelvi Marte, corner infielder Sal Stewart, and first baseman/outfielder Spencer Steer. The rotation, except for Brady Singer, is also secured beyond this season. Adding Schwarber as the designated hitter could elevate the group, given his power: he hit a career-high 56 home runs in 2025 and has 187 over the past four seasons, tied with Shohei Ohtani and behind only Aaron Judge's 210.
However, financial hurdles loom large. The Athletic projects Schwarber, who turns 33 on March 5, to command a five-year, $145 million contract. Reds president of baseball operations Nick Krall has indicated payroll will stay around 2025 levels, leaving about $20 million to spend per Fangraphs estimates. The Phillies are expected to offer more, though other teams like the New York Mets, Boston Red Sox, and San Francisco Giants could enter the fray.
Former MLB GM Steve Phillips suggested on MLB Network that the key to landing Schwarber is offering a fifth year on the deal. "I think it’s gonna come down to who’s willing to give him the extra year," Phillips said. "He’s gonna play at 33 next season... I think this is the time and place for the Cincinnati Reds."
One wild scenario floated by analyst Matt Gelb involves the Phillies signing Pete Alonso if the Mets snag Schwarber, creating an unlikely DH swap between rivals. Despite the intrigue, experts note money will likely prevail over sentiment in free agency.