Cubs rival plotting major Kyle Schwarber steal in offseason power move

The idea of the Chicago Cubs entertaining a reunion with Kyle Schwarber this offseason is fun to think about, but it's an idea that isn't rooted in reality. Schwarber re-signing with the Philadelphia Phillies this offseason feels like an obvious move, but that hasn't stopped the Cincinnati Reds from beginning their recruitment of the slugger.

The Reds are hosting Schwarber and the Phillies for a three-game set this week, and Cincinnati recognized Schwarber before the two teams played on Tuesday.

An Ohio native, Schwarber told reporters earlier this week that he does enjoy playing in Cincinnati.

“It’s always fun,” Schwarber said. “Coming here from early on, in 2015 on, I’ve had some fun times here, some good games. It’s always felt comfortable, right? Growing up, you’re watching games (here), and it’s always nice when you have family and friends. They came to the game for a good reason, not something bad or doing something stupid.”

Schwarber, considering his age, likely won't command the same type of deal that Kyle Tucker landed this offseason, but there certainly is a payday in his future. The 2025 season is proving to be Schwarber's best season to date, carrying a 159 wRC+ and 4 home runs away from matching his career high of 46.

Ironically, Schwarber has turned into the exact player the Cubs believed he would be, which adds to the sting that he was non-tendered by the team following the 2020 season.

"It feels like we were right about the player. In the end, we were right. We ran out of time and patience and money. I feel like he should be a Cub. We got the evaluation right. We got the timing wrong," Jed Hoyer told David Kaplan.

Cubs rival already plotting big offseason push for Kyle Schwarber

Sure, the Cubs were right, but money is the primary reason why they couldn't benefit from their correct evaluation. Adding salt to that wound would be the Cubs entering the 2026 season with Schwarber hitting home runs with the Reds.

That said, money is likely to be the reason why the Reds' pursuit of Schwarber falls short. Beyond that, while Schwarber is fond of his hometown team, the Phillies haven't been shy about their desire to keep their designated hitter, and at the center of their culture, there's no reason to think that won't happen.

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