Reds' quest to sign Kyle Schwarber gets quietly encouraging update from MLB insider

Nick Krall and the Cincinnati Reds made sure to address one key need by bringing Emilio Pagán back into the fold at a steal of a deal. Could another big swing be on the horizon?

Pagán coming back means that improving the lineup can get even more attention, and while we've cycled through all of the budget options and upside plays the Reds could make, the name on everyone's lips is Kyle Schwarber.

It's often been assumed that Schwarber coming home to Cincinnati is a pipedream, but maybe there's some hope after all. At least, if you're willing to listen to MLB insider Mark Feinsand, it's not entirely out of the question.

MLB Insider Mark Feinsand gives Reds fans a ray of hope that Kyle Schwarber could land in Cincinnati

Feinsand recently took fan questions on Reddit, and Schwarber to the Reds was one of the hot-button topics. His response doesn't make it sound likely, giving Cincinnati only a 15% chance to land the big bopper, but there were some encouraging nuggets there.

Feinsand mentioned that playing close to home could matter to Schwarber, adding, "Cincy is highly unlikely to be the highest bidder, but if the offer is competitive, I don't think it's impossible."

That's encouraging. While money certainly matters, we've seen players forego larger offers in favor of more comfortable landing spots, and if the Reds can get close enough, they might gain the upper hand.

That's easier said than done, but there is a way that the Reds can pony up a hefty offer if they're willing to get creative. That would mean getting active on the trade market and dealing players like Gavin Lux, Brady Singer, and maybe even Tyler Stephenson, but if it meant bringing Schwarber home, it would all be worth it.

Another tiny point in the Reds' favor that Feinsand notes is the allure of playing his home games in Great American Ball Park. Schwarber is no spring chicken entering his age-33 season, but if he were able to mash for four years in Cincinnati's friendly confines, he could reach milestones like 60 homers in a season, while also putting together a résumé that could net him one more big payday once this hypothetical contract comes to an end.

Lastly, Feinsand said that the chances of an agreement between Schwarber and the Reds have only increased in his estimation over the past month. Take it for what it's worth, but it seems as if the idea might be able to gain some momentum with the Winter Meetings nearly upon us.

So, there you have it. You can't close the book on Schwarber in Cincy. Not yet, at least, and perhaps the connection will grow even stronger as the stove begins to heat up.