Elly De La Cruz Hopes for Kyle Schwarber’s Signing with Reds: ‘That Was Going to Be Fun’

Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz had high hopes for his team’s offseason, believing they were on the verge of a significant lineup enhancement. Before Kyle Schwarber ultimately re-signed with the Phillies for a hefty five-year, $150 million deal in December, De La Cruz was convinced that the three-time All-Star would don a Reds uniform.

“I thought we were going to get him,” De La Cruz shared with The Enquirer, reflecting on the excitement that could have surrounded Schwarber’s arrival. “That was going to be fun.”

De La Cruz recalled a moment when he spotted Schwarber during a free agent visit to Cincinnati while he was training at the Reds’ facility. The two had a brief conversation, which added to the speculation that Schwarber might choose to return home to Ohio. Reports indicated that the Reds had offered the designated hitter a five-year contract worth $125 million, fueling excitement among fans and players alike.

Although Schwarber ultimately opted to stay in Philadelphia, he expressed his admiration for the Reds during his discussions with the team. “I was impressed,” he told MLB.com in December. “Me and [my wife] Paige went down to Cincinnati, and we were able to sit down and have that conversation with them and hear them out.” He noted that the Reds were genuinely interested in bringing him to Cincinnati, stating, “They were not pulling chains, and that they were wanting to try to get me to Cincinnati.”

De La Cruz wasn’t alone in his belief that Schwarber could have ended up with the Reds. Phillies teammate Bryce Harper echoed similar sentiments when he spoke to reporters in February, revealing, “I thought Kyle was going to go to Cincinnati to tell you the truth. I thought it was a done deal going to Cincinnati just because being at home and things like that.” Harper added that they joked with Schwarber about returning to his roots and playing in front of his local fan base.

Schwarber’s free agency was a hot topic, particularly after his standout performance in 2025, where he posted a .240/.365/.563 slash line, leading the National League with 56 home runs and topping Major League Baseball with 132 RBIs. His prowess at the plate made him one of the most sought-after hitters on the market.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.