Kyle Schwarber's Free Agency: A What-If Scenario for the Reds
This offseason saw significant movement in Major League Baseball free agency, and one intriguing possibility nearly materialized in an alternate reality: Kyle Schwarber donning a Cincinnati Reds uniform. The veteran power hitter entered the open market before ultimately choosing to remain with the Philadelphia Phillies, a decision that surprised at least one teammate. Bryce Harper revealed on Sunday, via NBC Sports Philadelphia, that he anticipated Schwarber’s return to the Midwest.
Harper stated, “I thought Kyle was going to go to Cincinnati to tell you the truth. I thought it was a done deal going to Cincinnati just because being at home and things like that. Obviously I didn't know. We kind of messed with him the whole time about him going back home and playing in front of his fan base.” This expectation stemmed from Schwarber’s roots in Middletown, Ohio, a mere 45-minute drive from Cincinnati. The prospect of the designated hitter playing closer to home clearly resonated with those around him.
Reds' Offensive Needs and Schwarber's Impact
The Cincinnati Reds, building around burgeoning star shortstop Elly De La Cruz, were demonstrably seeking to bolster their offensive capabilities. Schwarber, coming off a phenomenal season, presented an ideal solution. The 5-foot-11, 229-pound slugger finished second in the league with 56 home runs, leading all players with 132 RBIs, and posted a robust .928 OPS. His consistent power production – exceeding 30 home runs annually since 2019 (excluding the shortened 2020 season) – would have instantly elevated the Reds’ lineup.
Despite the logical fit, Schwarber opted for a five-year, $150 million contract to stay with the Phillies in December, continuing his tenure with the team since 2022. This left the Reds searching for alternative options to inject power into their batting order.
Eugenio Suarez Steps In, But Does He Measure Up?
Following Schwarber’s decision, the Reds pivoted and signed fellow power hitter Eugenio Suarez in February. The deal is structured as a one-year, $15 million contract with a $16 million mutual option for the 2027 season, as reported by Spotrac. Suarez, age 34, delivered a strong performance last season, ranking fifth in home runs with 49 and sixth in RBIs with 118, alongside a .824 OPS.
While Suarez is a familiar face – having played for the Reds from 2015 to 2021 and achieving three seasons with 30+ home runs – a statistical comparison reveals a clear difference in overall offensive value. Suarez recorded a .228 batting average compared to Schwarber’s .240, and drew 46 walks versus Schwarber’s 108. Even with playing in just three more games, Schwarber also accumulated more hits (145) than Suarez (134).
Assessing the Long-Term Implications
Suarez’s addition will undoubtedly provide a boost to a Cincinnati offense that ranked 21st in home runs (167) and tied for 19th in OPS (.706) last season. However, the long-term investment and all-around hitting prowess of Schwarber would have likely yielded greater returns. The Reds missing out on their local hero potentially returning home to finish his career could prove particularly disappointing if Schwarber continues his exceptional offensive output in the seasons to come.
