Kyle Schwarber going back to Philadelphia on a monster deal was the least surprising plot twist of the winter, but it still lands like a gut punch in Cincinnati.
For a minute there, Cincinnati Reds fans let themselves dream. A left-handed thumper made for Great American Ball Park, playoff pedigree, instant middle-of-the-order credibility… and then reality walked in wearing a Phillies cap and a $150 million contract.
The Reds were never really stepping into that ring with a real chance, and everyone kind of understood it from the jump.
Reds’ Kyle Schwarber miss turns Miguel Andújar into the latest budget-daydream
This is the neighborhood they usually shop in anyway — not where the premium bats are displayed under spotlights, but a few racks over, sifting through the markdown pile and convincing themselves the dented version can do most of the job for a fraction of the cost.