Are Reds saving big in hopes of pursuing Kyle Schwarber in free agency?

By stretching the payroll a bit, the Reds could have one shot at signing a big-name free agent such as Schwarber, who made $20 million with the Philadelphia Phillies last season. Schwarber has ties to Cincinnati, having grown up in Middletown, roughly an hour north of the city. MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand linked the Reds as a possible suitor to sign Schwarber. 

The Reds must spend these savings and all other funds wisely 

By limiting spending, the Reds could hamper their chances for remaining competive in 2026. The threat of the looming labor strike next offseason could be the reason for their hesitation to up payroll. 

Coming off a career year in which he's likely to finish as the runner-up in the MVP voting to Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani, Schwarber led the National League in home runs (56, a career high), led MLB in RBI (132, another career high) and played in all 162 games. The outfielder/DH was one of just five players to do so in 2025.

By declining the options of Hays, Barlow and Suter, the Reds could make room to sign Schwarber, an 11-year veteran who won a World Series with the Cubs in 2016.  

Pairing Schwarber with their young core could be what gets Cincinnati over the hump next season. The Reds (83-79) finished third in the NL Central last season and were eliminated in the playoffs by the Los Angeles Dodgers.