Pirates Interested In Kyle Schwarber, Showed Interest In Josh Naylor

"The exact nature of the Bucs' talks with Naylor weren't specified, yet Passan indicated that the Pirates were prepared to offer Naylor more than $78MM. This would've been, by a wide margin, the priciest free agent deal in Pirates history. Francisco Liriano's three-year, $39MM deal from December 2014 remains the biggest guarantee the perennially low-spending Buccos have ever given to a free agent."

"Naylor re-upped with the Mariners for five years and $92.5MM. Beyond just the money, there was plenty of mutual interest between Naylor and the M's in continuing their relationship, as evidenced by the fact that Naylor agreed to a new deal so soon after the free agent market opened. Seattle looks well-positioned to keep contending throughout Naylor's tenure, so it likely would've taken a drastic overpay from the Pirates to convince him to leave the Mariners."

"Along these same lines, Schwarber is expected to receive plenty of offers from big-market contenders, including his former team in Philadelphia. MLB Trade Rumors projects Schwarber to receive a five-year, $135MM contract, even though he is entering his age-33 season and is essentially a DH-only player at this point in his career. Schwarber's huge power, consistent production, and reputation as a clubhouse leader will very likely outweigh concerns about his age, and the Phillies (like the Mari"

The Pirates have more payroll flexibility than in past offseasons and ownership could approach $40MM in winter spending plans. The club showed interest in Kyle Schwarber and pursued Josh Naylor before Naylor re-signed. The Pirates were prepared to offer Naylor more than $78MM, which would have far exceeded the franchise's largest prior free-agent guarantee of $39MM to Francisco Liriano. Naylor signed a five-year, $92.5MM deal with the Mariners amid mutual interest and Seattle's contending outlook, making a departure unlikely without a drastic overpay. Schwarber is projected to command a multi-year, high-value contract despite age and a DH-only role.

Read at MLB Trade Rumors