Kyle Schwarber negotiation details reveal why the Reds were always chasing a mirage

The Cincinnati Reds failed to cross the finish line in their pursuit of Kyle Schwarber, but they were in it until the very end. In their efforts to lure the Middletown, Ohio native back home, the Reds reportedly offered Schwarber a five-year, $125 million contract.

But according to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, that was not the Reds' last, best, and final offer. Per Nightengale, 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. In other words, thanks for playing, but I was never going to sign on the dotted line.

That's certainly a frustrating way to end the Schwarber saga, isn't it? At least fans now know that the Reds weren't simply outbid this time — something that happens with regularity. What's more painful at this point, however, is the front office's response after missing out on Schwarber.

Reds' failure to sign Kyle Schwarber has led to startling lack of urgency

Schwarber was one of few players who could've single-handedly helped to turn around the Reds' mediocre offense. He hit 56 home runs in 2025 and finished second in the NL MVP voting.

There was never any expectation that the Reds would turn to free agents like Kyle Tucker or Bo Bichette in the wake of losing Schwarber to the Philadelphia Phillies, but what Cincinnati has pivoted to is downright disgraceful. Dane Myers and JJ Bleday cannot be your "premier" offensive additions after finishing 14th in runs scored (716) or 24th in wRC+ (92), as the Reds did last season.

The Reds lineup should benefit from a full season of Sal Stewart in 2026, but banking in-house talent to lift the offense out of mediocrity isn't going to work in a division with playoff contenders like the Milwaukee Brewers or Chicago Cubs. Even the Pittsburgh Pirates are making noise this offseason.

There's still time for the Reds to get over their failed pursuit of Schwarber and make a meaningful addition somewhere in the lineup, but that window won't stay open forever. It may require ownership to stretch their wallets to an uncomfortable degree, something Reds fans have rarely seen happen.