The Cincinnati Reds may not be the favorite to sign Kyle Schwarber in free agency.
But the Reds surely have sentiment on their side. Schwarber grew up in Middletown, Ohio, less than an hour from Cincinnati.
The slugging free agent from the Philadelphia Phillies may simply return to the City of Brotherly Love.
He's also got plenty of other suitors. That's how it works when you hit 187 home runs over the last four seasons, including 56 in 2025.
But the Reds have a real chance.
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MLB.com's Mark Feinsand revealed his full thoughts on the matter in a new article on Thursday:
"I believe that the Reds do have a shot at signing Schwarber, though I certainly wouldn't label them as the favorites. Cincinnati is looking for a big bat in the middle of the lineup, and if Schwarber has any interest in playing close to home (he's from nearby Middletown, Ohio), the Reds are the only team that can offer him that. It will, in all likelihood, come down to money as it does with most free agents, but GABP is a great hitters' park and should be attractive to a slugger such as Schwarber. Cincy is highly unlikely to be the highest bidder, but if the offer is competitive, I don't think it's impossible. Based on conversations I have had, I would put their chances around 15%, which is a [little bit] higher than I would have said a month ago."
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So you're telling me there's a chance?
Admittedly, 15% isn't amazing. But it's better than zero.
The Reds need some pop in their lineup, and it appears they're at least going to make a real run at signing Schwarber to fill that need.
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