ESPN’s dream move for Cubs rival feels like a nightmare in Chicago

The Chicago Cubs are sandwiched between the Milwaukee Brewers and the Cincinnati Reds in the National League Central. The Brewers have been the definition of success in the division since 2018, while the Reds are coming off a playoff appearance in Terry Francona's first season as the team's manager. While the Cubs have the financial means to leave both teams well behind them, their stubborn approach leaves the fanbase vulnerable to disappointment.

That would be one way to describe Jeff Passan's perfect move for the Reds this offseason. ESPN's MLB insider makes the case for the Reds to sign Kyle Schwarber in free agency. While the Reds have indicated that they won't be increasing payroll for 2026, Passan does the math, and they could easily afford Schwarber. Beyond that, a Schwarber homecoming is what Reds fans have been begging for.

Kyle Schwarber signing with the Cincinnati Reds would be a painful twist of fate for the Chicago Cubs.

Many Cubs fans still haven't forgiven the Cubs for non-tendering Schwarber after the 2020 season. While Schwarber's offensive profile appeared to have hit a ceiling in his final season with the Cubs, a 91 wRC+ with a .701 OPS, he still had 11 home runs in 59 games. In other words, at his worst, Schwarber still was the very thing the Cubs lack today--a left-handed power hitter capable of hitting power pitching.

Throw in the fact that the Cubs' current offensive projections for 2026 look significantly worse than their production in 2025, and the sight of Schwarber hitting home runs for Cincy would be even more unsettling than his original departure.

In theory, yes, Schwarber should be on the Cubs' radar this offseason. With Kyle Tucker likely not returning, as it stands, the Cubs have a massive void in their starting lineup. Schwarber would be a clear answer, but recent contract projections suggest he could be in line for a five-year deal worth $145MM.

Schwarber's potential contract is at the center of why it's unlikely he returns to the Cubs this offseason. Above all else, it was a penny-pinching decision from the Cubs when they chose to move on from Schwarber and avoid paying him $8MM for the 2021 season. Agreeing to pay him $145MM five years later would be a mea culpa that the stubborn Cubs likely are willing to avoid at all costs.