Latest On Kyle Schwarber's Market

"Cincinnati finished 14th in MLB in scoring despite playing in one of the sport's most hitter-friendly venues. They had a .245/.315/.391 slash line and finished 21st in home runs. Elly De La Cruz was the team leader with 22 homers, and their only two hitters who slugged at least .450 in more than 100 plate appearances (Miguel Andujar and Austin Hays) are free agents. The Reds need offense generally and would benefit from a power bat in particular."

"Schwarber is the best slugger available. He's coming off a 56-homer season in which he hit .240/.365/.563 while starting all 162 games for the Phillies. He hasn't hit fewer than 30 homers in a full season since 2018 and is tied with Shohei Ohtani for second in MLB (behind Aaron Judge) in longballs over the last four years."

"While it's a clear fit from a roster perspective, it'd require an unusually bold commitment from ownership. Schwarber is expected to handily surpass a $100MM guarantee and could land $30MM+ annually. The Reds have given out two nine-figure contracts in franchise history: $225MM for and $105MM to Homer Bailey. Those were both extensions. Their largest free agent deals were the matching four-year, $64MM terms to Nick Castellanos and Mike Moustakas. Those $16MM average annual values were the most for any multi-year free agent signing. Schwarber might require twice"

Cincinnati remains interested in Kyle Schwarber due to his local roots and the team's need for an impact bat. The Reds scored 14th in MLB despite a hitter-friendly home park, posting a .245/.315/.391 slash line and ranking 21st in home runs. Elly De La Cruz led the team with 22 homers; Miguel Andujar and Austin Hays, the only players with .450+ slugging in 100+ plate appearances, are free agents. Schwarber brings elite power after a 56-homer season and consistent 30+ homer campaigns since 2018. Roster alignment would require DH clarity and possible positional moves, and the financial commitment would likely top $100 million.

Read at MLB Trade Rumors