As many expected, the Cincinnati Reds were not able to get a deal for Kyle Schwarber across the finish line. While trying to use the one angle that no other team possessed — his hometown roots in Middletown, Ohio — the Reds made an effort to sign Schwarber this offseason. Unfortunately, the enticement to play in front of his hometown fans wasn't enough to get him to sign on the dotted line. On Tuesday, it was revealed that Schwarber would reunite with the Phillies on what is reported to be a five year, $150 million deal.
The Reds will now have to find another way to upgrade the lineup, and that could be easier said than done.