The biggest speculation in Reds fandom right now is how can the Cincinnati Reds upgrade their offense? It’s so simple…sign Kyle Schwarber. Guess what? That’s becoming more and more of a possibility. Subscribe to our Newsletter by using the popup or the form below!
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I’ve been around a long, long time. No, this isn’t tooting my own horn, no one gives 2 f’s, I understand that; what I’m saying here is, I have a LOT of people that constantly DM me stuff, most of it is gibberish, utter gibberish at that, but this time I was told something that is actually very believable from someone that is…actually very believable.
The Cincinnati Reds are not only interested in Kyle Schwarber, they’re trying to make it happen, literally. The ONLY hold up as it stands right now is in the front office, and it’s a confliction of “how can we make sure we take care of other issues while also getting Kyle to Cincinnati.”
With this said, what I was told is, there’s several in the ownership group lobbying for more funds going into next year. Some of them are citing the potential for a floor as reason to pony up more money. I wasn’t told who but there’s definitely some pressure on the front office internally and it seems like they’re actually trying to get this to happen.
So How Can They Make This Happen?
You’ve probably heard or seen the social media posts from MLB Insiders like Ken Rosenthal and Jeff Passan…this is real. It’s not a rumor. I’ve posted a bit here and there about it, too, and now you’re learning the ownership group is ACTUALLY trying to make this happen. The HOW is so, so simple. No, it really is. And guess what? Kyle Schwarber is waiting to see if they’ll actually do it, but it isn’t known how long he’ll actually wait around…
The group needs to come up with more money, and as I’ve said above, they can technically afford Schwarber NOW in their budget, but they won’t be able to get anything else, and that’s the hold up. The Reds have to rebuild a bullpen that is already reliant on many homegrown pieces and that’s a worry / withhold piece from Krall. They need relievers on top of needing some more offense.
This isn’t the first time Bob Castellini has tried to get his ownership group to put forth more money, believe it or not. The last time was for Joey Votto (actually, it was really for Albert Pujols,) but it just so happened he went to Los Angeles. So literally, all the Reds need is for the ownership group to fork over some more money. The pressure is on.
Schwarber Sweepstakes Competition
I was told by the person that messaged me that the Mets, Giants, & Philadelphia are ALL seeking his services. Every single one of those teams have a lot more money than the Reds and WILL outbid them. These 3 other teams were also confirmed by the insiders, so I know what I was told to be true.
The Reds have what the other 3 teams don’t, however, and that’s Cincinnati. Kyle Schwarber’s hometown. The team that he grew up watching. The team he’s told media numerous times he’d absolutely love to play for. They just need to come up with a respectable ballpark offer and he will come to Cincinnati.
It’s rumored he’s got an offer from the Phillies at 5/$125M. I’d anticipate the Reds to be able to offer a similar deal if the ownership group can come together and outpace their revenue expectations. Look…Sheakley’s, Wyler’s, Castellini’s, and more…signing Kyle Schwarber is the exact move this fanbase needs. ALL of that revenue will be restored quickly. If the Reds can offer anywhere near ballpark with Philly, let’s say $4-5M yearly deferred and payout $17M or so yearly, they can make this happen. They sure can. It’s up to you, ownership group.
Conclusion
For just a little bit more contribution a year to the active roster, the Cincinnati Reds could land the biggest FA on the market. It all lays in the ownership group’s hands. Will they come up with some more money and make the most exciting move they’ve made in a decade, or will they sit around and do nothing like usual… the pressure is on. Let them hear it. Let them feel it.
