Reds' failed pursuit of Phillies' Kyle Schwarber just got more embarrassing

The Philadelphia Phillies' main priority entering the offseason was to re-sign Kyle Schwarber and it seemed likely that he'd agree to a new deal. The Cincinnati Reds, the designated hitter's hometown team, had an interest in signing arguably the top free agent offensive player available.

Beyond the Phillies and the Reds, other confirmed teams interested in adding Schwarber were the Baltimore Orioles and the Pittsburgh Pirates. Both the Orioles and Pirates made contract offers to Schwarber. Pittsburgh offered him a four-year, $125 million contract, while Baltimore proposed a five-year, $150 million deal to the Middletown, Ohio native.

However, Cincinnati was willing to offer more money than the Phillies to sign last year's NL home run leader.

Reds wanted to offer more money sign Kyle Schwarber away from the Phillies

According to USA Today's Bob Nightengale, the Reds were ready to offer more than the Phillies' five-year, $150 million, but Schwarber told them not to bother.

"Schwarber received a five-year, $150 million contract from the Phillies, but he was in such demand, that even the Pittsburgh Pirates and Cincinnati Reds were in serious pursuit, with the Reds even willing to offer more until Schwarber told them it wasn’t necessary," Nightengale notes.

The Phillies were willing to match the Orioles' contract offer, which ultimately proved sufficient in convincing Schwarber to return to Philadelphia. The Reds were willing to outspend the Orioles and Phillies to sign the 32-year-old. If Cincinnati ended up adding Schwarber, it would not only have boosted their offense but also excited the fan base to have an Ohio native who rooted for the organization growing up as a member of the franchise.

However, Schwarber enjoyed his previous four years with the Phillies and wants to end his career with the club. The front office wanted him to remain with the organization, as they matched the Orioles' generous offer to the veteran.

While the Reds appear like an up-and-coming franchise after making the postseason in 2025 for only the third time since 2013, Schwarber preferred to agree to a contract with an established World Series contender. The fourth overall pick of the 2014 MLB Draft views the Phillies as that. They made the Fall Classic in his first season with the team in 2022, followed by the NLCS the next year, and won the NL East division the last two seasons.

If Schwarber didn't intend to re-sign with Philadelphia, he wouldn't have told Cincinnati it wasn't necessary to offer as much as the Phillies, Orioles, or Pirates. He might very well be with the Reds. However, the 2025 runner-up to the NL MVP award has unfinished business with Philadelphia, which is to help bring at least one championship to the City of Brotherly Love before his career ends.