The notion that the Cincinnati Reds can't afford to extend a competitive offer to Kyle Schwarber is utter nonsense. The Reds can make a legitimate offer, but in all likelihood, they won't. Reds President of Baseball Operations Nick Krall has maintained that Cincinnati's 2026 payroll will look eerily similar to the $119 million they spent last season.
As currently constructed, the Reds have approximately $95 million committed to next year's roster. Given Krall's comments about keeping the payroll flat heading into 2026, that leaves Cincinnati with about $20-$25 million to spend this offseason.