Kyle Schwarber's decision leaves Reds fans gutted as homecoming falls apart

As many expected, the Cincinnati Reds were not able to get a deal for Kyle Schwarber across the finish line. While trying to use the one angle that no other team possessed — his hometown roots in Middletown, Ohio — the Reds made an effort to sign Schwarber this offseason. Unfortunately, the enticement to play in front of his hometown fans wasn't enough to get him to sign on the dotted line. On Tuesday, it was revealed that Schwarber would reunite with the Phillies on what is reported to be a five year, $150 million deal.

The Reds will now have to find another way to upgrade the lineup, and that could be easier said than done. Schwarber was the prize of the offseason for the Reds (and many other organizations), and with him now off the board, Cincinnati will have to look to either add through free agency or a trade.

Schwarber would've been the perfect fit for Cincinnati's lineup and the clubhouse. Though talented, the Reds roster has very little veteran leadership — something Schwarber would've provided in spades. As Nick Krall and the Reds front office look to regroup, fans are left to wonder what if?

Kyle Schwarber rejects the Reds offer for a homecoming in favor of a massive new deal

While there was a moment where it felt like Schwarber really could end up in Cincinnati in a homecoming for the ages, the Phillies were always going to be tough to beat. Not only had both sides expressed interest in continuing their relationship, but Philly is extremely motivated to win a World Series soon and has both an owner and a front office head that are willing to do (almost) whatever it takes to reach that goal.

Now the Reds will have to turn their attention elsewhere for offense. Jake Meyers is on the radar for sure, but his bat isn't anywhere close to what Schwarber would have provided. One certainly hopes that Jarren Duran could still be a trade target, but Boston's willingness to make a move is questionable at best and, again, Duran does't have Schwarber's raw power or connection to the city.

In short, this is a setback for the Reds to be sure. However, this offseason has shown that Cincinnati's front office is willing to spend to make a real run at this thing. Exactly how far they are willing to go and whether or not they can actually close some deals are the important questions now.