Ex-Phillies GM floats jaw-dropping Kyle Schwarber move that would thrill Reds fans

While the naysayers continue to maintain that it'll never happen, there's plenty of momentum behind the idea of the Cincinnati Reds signing free agent slugger Kyle Schwarber this offseason. The Reds continue to be linked to the Middletown native, and several MLB insiders believe Schwarber could sign his new deal before the MLB Winter Meetings begin next week.

The Philadelphia Phillies remain the favorites to land Schwarber. He's played in the Philly the past four seasons, and the Phillies truly value what Schwarber brings to their lineup and to the clubhouse.

But former Phillies general manager Rubén Amaro Jr. believes Schwarbrer to Cincinnati is a real possibility. In fact, during an appearance on The Phillies Show — a podcast on the Foul Territory Network — Amaro floated the idea that the Reds should not only sign Schwarber, but J.T. Realmuto as well.

Former Phillies GM believes the Reds should sign Kyle Schwarber and J.T. Realmuto

"If the Cincinnati Reds really are serious about being a contender, you sign J.T. (Realmuto), and then you follow it up with signing Schwarber," Amaro said. "They're best friends, they care for each other...if I'm the Cincinnati Reds, and I'm the GM Krall, that's the move I make."

This may be pie-in-the-sky thinking on the part of Amaro, but the idea itself is sound. Outside of Nick Martinez and Emilio Pagán — both of whom are now free agents — the Reds lacked a true veteran presence in 2025. Bringing in both Schwarber and Realmuto would wildly shift the culture in the Reds clubhouse; something the organization needs.

After declining Joey Votto's $20 million option following the 2023 season, the Reds turned to Jeimer Candelario to fill the void. That move blew up in the Reds' face, and even after releasing the veteran infielder last season, they'll still be on the hook for Candelario's $16 million salary in 2026. Adding Schwarber and Realmuto would bring extremely different results.

There is, of course, a problem with Amaro's line of thinking. Signing the duo of Schwarber and Realmuto would cost Cincinnati upwards of $150 million. Most experts believe Schwarber will be able to land a four-year deal worth at least $120 million, and MLB Trade Rumors predicts Realmuto could land a two-year, $30 million deal.

The last time Cincinnati dropped that kind of cash was prior to the 2020 season when they splurged on the quartet of Nick Castellanos, Wade Miley, Mike Moustakas, and Shogo Akiyama and spent $165 million. The Reds have operated on a much leaner budget ever since.

Signing Schwarber and Realmuto is not out of the realm of possibilities, but it would be a huge investment on the part of Bob Castellini and the Reds ownership group. It would also force the Reds to reallocate their resources. Players like Tyler Stephenson, Brady Singer, and others would likely be traded in an effort to shed payroll and bring in some extra arms to restock the bullpen.

This is a bold (yet unlikely) move that would cement the Reds as favorites in the NL Central next season. Will it happen? Probably not. But that doesn't mean it's not a good idea.