What's Kyle Schwarber's Contract Offer from Pirates in FA? MLB Insider Updates Rumors

The Pittsburgh Pirates aren't exactly known as a destination for free agents in today's Major League Baseball, but the National League Central team reportedly pursued one of the top sluggers available this offseason.

According to a Sunday report from Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, the Pirates offered Kyle Schwarber a four-year deal that is "almost certainly is for more than $100 million."

Rosenthal later reported on Tuesday that the Pirates offered a four-year deal in the $120 million range. That did not turn out to be enough, however, as ESPN's Jeff Passan reported Schwarber agreed to return to the Phillies on a five-year, $150 million contract on Tuesday.

Had the Pirates been able to land Schwarber, the contract would have broken a pattern for the Pirates.

Rosenthal noted the $39 million they gave pitcher Francisco Liriano in 2014 remains the franchise's record free-agent contract. Their $106.75 million contract extension they gave Bryan Reynolds is the only deal in team history to surpass the $100 million mark.

While Pittsburgh doesn't usually pursue the most expensive free agents, it needs offense if it is going to compete in the National League Central. After all, it finished last in the league in runs scored last season on the way to a last-place finish at 71-91.

The lack of consistent offense undercut a team with some strong pitching pieces in place such as Paul Skenes.

Schwarber would immediately bolster the offense after leading the league in home runs (56) and RBI (132) last season for the Phillies. He also appeared in all 162 games, marking the fourth straight season he played at least 150 games.