Reds Competing With Division Rival and Other Teams in Kyle Schwarber Sweeptakes

The Cincinnati Reds continue to show interest in free agent slugger Kyle Schwarber, according to MLB Network's Jon Heyman.

"Reds are indeed interested in hometown hero Kyle Schwarber," Heyman wrote on X. "Would be quite a coup if they could pull it off. Red Sox, Orioles, Pirates and others, including of course incumbent Phillies all in."

The Reds need some offensive firepower, and Schwarber would provide that. The slugger had a huge season in 2025, slashing .240/.365/.563 with 81 extra-base hits, including a National League-leading 56 home runs.

The veteran free agent was asked specifically about the Reds when he was back in the Cincinnati area a couple of weeks ago.

"I think good ole Gordon Wittnemyer was the one who started this frenzy at the All-Star Game," Schwarber said. "He asked a question kind of similar to that, where I said the kid in me, I grew up going to games there, I grew up sitting in the bleachers and watching a lot of games. I think the kid would be excited, right? You have your hometown team that is calling. But also being in the profession, knowing a little bit more about the ins and outs, you're never going to not be open. You always have to listen and keep different options open, and see what happens. We will see."

With so many reporters, including Reds beat writer Mark Sheldon, reporting that the Reds are interested, there is reason to believe Cincinnati truly believes they can sign the left-handed slugger.

If Schwarber were willing to take any sort of hometown discount, the Reds might have even more of a chance.

Regardless of what other moves the Reds make this offseason, landing him alone would make it a resounding win.

Reds are indeed interested in hometown hero Kyle Schwarber. Would be quite a coup if they could pull it off. Red Sox, Orioles, Pirates and others, including of course incumbent Phillies all in. 56 HR (including 23 vs. LHP obviously plays). @Ken_Rosenthal 1st linked Cincy
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) December 3, 2025