Why Kyle Schwarber Didn’t Sign With Hometown Cincinnati Reds in Free Agency

Kyle Schwarber declined an opportunity to sign with his hometown Cincinnati Reds during free agency, choosing instead to re-sign with the Philadelphia Phillies. According to reporting from the Cincinnati Enquirer's Gordon Wittenmyer, Schwarber was concerned that committing major financial resources to his contract would hinder the small-market Reds from assembling and sustaining a competitive roster around him long-term.

After failing to land Schwarber, who tied for the National League lead with 45 home runs for playoff-bound Philadelphia, the Reds pivoted to signing third baseman Eugenio Suarez. Writer Billy Heyen notes that the pivot ultimately fell short as Cincinnati missed the postseason, leaving the franchise to face another pivotal offseason.