Kyle Schwarber returns to Cincinnati with thoughts of a Reds reunion
Cincinnati native Kyle Schwarber made a memorable return to his hometown on Wednesday night, engaging with reporters about the prospect of joining the Cincinnati Reds as a free agent. With a warm smile and nostalgia in his voice, Schwarber reflected on the joy of being back in a place he holds dear.
“It’s always great,” he expressed, highlighting the emotional connection he has to Cincinnati. “Whenever we are here, it’s always fun for us. Our family is here. My wife’s family. We got all of our friends here. It’s always fun for us to be here. This is a place that we call home. We love it here and we are going to spend a lot of time here as a family in the future.”
A standout season fuels speculation
Schwarber’s performance last season has kept him at the forefront of free agency discussions. He posted an impressive slash line of .240/.365/.563, showcasing his power with 81 extra-base hits, including a league-leading 56 home runs. This remarkable season has undoubtedly piqued interest from various teams, including the Reds, who may look to bolster their lineup.
When pressed about the possibility of signing with Cincinnati, Schwarber remained noncommittal yet intrigued. “I think good ole Gordon Wittnemyer was the one who started this frenzy at the All-Star Game,” he recalled. “He asked a question kind of similar to that, where I said the kid in me, I grew up going to games there, I grew up sitting in the bleachers and watching a lot of games. I think the kid would be excited, right? You have your hometown team that is calling.”
Keeping options open
While the allure of playing for his hometown team is palpable, Schwarber also emphasized the importance of maintaining a professional perspective. “But also being in the profession, knowing a little bit more about the ins and outs, you’re never going to not be open,” he said. “You always have to listen and keep different options open, and see what happens. We will see.”
Despite speculation regarding his potential fit with the Reds, the financial logistics of signing a slugger like Schwarber may pose challenges for the team. Nevertheless, the possibility remains on the table, leaving fans to wonder if they could soon see one of their own don the Reds’ uniform.
As the offseason unfolds, the excitement surrounding Schwarber’s potential return to Cincinnati lingers, capturing the imagination of fans who remember him as a local favorite and now hope to see him shine on the field once again.
