Cubs reunion fans begged for finally shows signs of life from insider

Of all the 2016 Chicago Cubs that will live in infamy, Kyle Schwarber truly feels like the one that got away. That reality has not been lost upon Cubs fans this season as Schwarber, in his fourth year with the Philadelphia Phillies, has already set a new career-high in home runs with 49 on the season. Schwarber is headed toward free agency, and while there has always been an expectation he would remain in Philadelphia, it seems that he will test the waters before making the decision.

There's been an uptick in free agency outlooks from MLB insiders over the last few days, and the first came from ESPN's Jeff Passan. Between his power and Schwarber being a glue guy for any clubhouse he is in, Passan believes the veteran designated hitter will get paid this offseason.

The other outlook came from Jon Heyman, who rambled his way through some loose predictions for where the top free agents may land this offseason. With reference to Schwarber, Heyman mentions the inclination that he may return to the Phillies, but also lists the Cubs and Boston Red Sox as other fits.

Insider breathes new life into Cubs reunion fans have waited years for

There is some form of irony in the Cubs and Red Sox being listed together, considering those are two teams that likely have the biggest regret over letting Schwarber walk out their door.

In thinking about the outlook of the 2026 Cubs, it could be difficult to imagine Schwarber being a fit initially. Even with the expectation that Kyle Tucker will leave via free agency, it would seem that the plan would be for Owen Caissie to take over in right field and Seiya Suzuki to remain as the team's designated hitter. A trade involving one of those two would almost certainly need to be completed if the Cubs were going to entertain the idea of bringing Schwarber back.

Given the second-half struggles for Suzuki, it's not entirely impossible to rule out the trade rumors that surrounded him last offseason returning this winter. In a world where the Cubs are going to be cautious with how they spend in free agency, moving Suzuki could be a means to an end. Not to mention, it creates a clear opening for Schwarber to return.

On paper, the path makes sense. In reality, however, it's hard to imagine Schwarber having much interest in returning to the Cubs. Reading between the lines of things he has said about the Cubs' front office since his departure, there is some clear animosity that remains. In other words, don't expect Schwarber to take a discount in order to return to the Cubs. And if the offers are similar, Schwarber is likely choosing the Phillies over the Cubs.

More Cubs News from Cubbies Crib