Reds Should Target Homegrown Slugger This Offseason

The Cincinnati Reds are at a crossroads in their hunt for a big bat in the middle of the lineup. Kyle Schwarber’s name keeps popping up in trade chatter, but honestly, the financial and defensive headaches make that move a long shot.

Instead, Taylor Ward of the Los Angeles Angels might be the smarter, more realistic option. He’s an Ohio native with legit power, and he actually fits the Reds’ budget and lineup holes.

This blog takes a closer look at why Ward should be Cincinnati’s top target and how a deal could help both teams as 2026 approaches.

Kyle Schwarber Rumors: Why the Fit Isn’t Right

Sure, Schwarber’s left-handed power would look great in the Reds’ lineup. But his contract demands, plus the likely draft-pick compensation, turn him into an expensive risk.

The guy’s not exactly a defensive asset either, especially in the outfield. The Reds care about balancing offense and defense, so that’s a problem.

The Budget Dilemma

Cincinnati’s front office has always played it safe with payroll. Stretching for Schwarber would mean cutting corners elsewhere, and nobody wants that.

They know any big signing has to fit within tight revenue limits and the bigger competitive picture. This makes chasing Schwarber a long shot, if we’re being honest.

The Reds’ Offensive Struggles Demand a Solution

Last season, the Reds finished a rough 21st in home runs (167) and slugging percentage (.391). In the loaded NL Central, they can’t just hope for more power—they need it.

Enter Taylor Ward

Ward checks a bunch of boxes at once. He smashed 36 home runs in 2025 and put up a .475 slugging percentage—exactly the kind of punch the Reds have been missing.

His .228 batting average was a career low, but there’s reason to think he can bounce back closer to his .247 career norm. Hitting in Great American Ball Park doesn’t hurt, either.

Defensive Reliability

Manager Terry Francona values fielders who get the job done. Ward won’t win a Gold Glove, but his metrics—0 Outs Above Average and -3 Defensive Runs Saved—show he holds his own.

That’s a step up from chasing players who’d need a late-inning defensive replacement every night.

The Francona Factor

Francona’s always built lineups that don’t trade defense for power. Ward’s solid glove means adding his bat won’t force awkward shuffling, and that fits right into what Cincinnati’s trying to do.

Financially Feasible

Ward’s contract situation is a huge plus. He’s projected to make $13.7 million in arbitration after getting $7.825 million in 2025.

He’s still affordable for another year, and the Reds could keep him past 2026 without blowing up the payroll.

No Drain on Top Prospects

The Angels need young, controllable pitching to fix their ugly 4.91 team ERA. The Reds have enough pitching depth to make a deal without giving up their very best prospects.

That opens the door for a trade that could actually work for both sides—Cincinnati adds power, LA gets pitching for their rebuild.

Why Ward Fits the Reds’ Roadmap

Ward’s strengths line up well with what the Reds need right now and down the line:

• He fills the glaring hole for a middle-of-the-order power bat.
• His defense is solid enough to keep Francona happy.
• He won’t wreck the budget.
• The Reds can trade for him without gutting their farm system.
• Plus, he’s an Ohio guy—fans are going to love that.

The Verdict

Schwarber’s name always grabs headlines. But when you look at cost, fit, and flexibility, he’s just not the right match for the Reds.

Taylor Ward, though, brings power, affordability, and some real defensive competence. The Reds could really use that mix if they want to get serious about making the postseason.

If Cincinnati plays its cards right, Ward might be the spark this lineup’s been missing for years. It’s not a flashy move, but sometimes those are the ones that change everything.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Reds should target homegrown slugger (not named Kyle Schwarber) this offseason