Reds Predicted to Pursue $330M Two-Time MVP, Eight-Time All-Star

Cincinnati looks to add another big bat after missing out on Kyle Schwarber

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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The Cincinnati Reds are being predicted as a dark horse candidate to trade for Philadelphia Phillies star Bryce Harper, a two-time MVP and eight-time All-Star, in an effort to bolster their lineup after making the playoffs last season. Harper's contract is seen as more manageable than the deal the Reds offered to Kyle Schwarber this offseason.

Why it matters

The Reds are looking to build on their surprise playoff appearance last season and need to add another impact bat to support rising star Elly De La Cruz. Harper would provide that middle-order power and star power the team is seeking.

The details

According to Fansided's Christopher Kline, the Reds should pursue a trade for Harper, who slashed .261/.357/.487/.844 with 32 doubles, 27 home runs, and 75 RBIs in 132 games this past season. Harper's contract, which pays him in the mid-20 millions annually, is seen as more manageable than the $33 million per year deal the Reds offered to Schwarber.

  • The Reds made the playoffs in the 2025 season.

The players

Bryce Harper

A two-time MVP and eight-time MLB All-Star who currently plays for the Philadelphia Phillies.

Elly De La Cruz

A rising star for the Cincinnati Reds.

Kyle Schwarber

An outfielder who the Reds pursued in free agency this offseason.

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What they’re saying

“Cincinnati threw real money at Kyle Schwarber this offseason in an effort to sell more tickets. Harper sells tickets, and his contract is a bit more manageable year-to-year than Cincy's high-AAV offer to Schwarber. There's no hometown connection there, but the Reds were in the playoffs last season and hope to build a real winner around Elly De La Cruz. Harper can bridge the gap between present and future, giving Cincy the middle-order thump it so clearly needs. Real dark horse energy here, in theory.”

— Christopher Kline, Writer (Fansided)

What’s next

The Reds will need to craft a trade proposal to the Phillies in order to acquire Bryce Harper, as other contending teams may also be interested in the superstar outfielder.

The takeaway

The Reds are looking to build a contender around rising star Elly De La Cruz, and adding a proven power bat like Bryce Harper could help them take the next step after making the playoffs last season. However, acquiring Harper will require the Reds to put together an enticing trade package, as other teams will likely be interested in the two-time MVP.