Pirates reportedly make impressive offer to Kyle Schwarber

The Pittsburgh Pirates are looking to put their money where their mouth is.

Pirates ownership is reportedly willing to invest in the roster this offseason. Although their first attempt to lure a top free agent to Pittsburgh came up short, the Pirates reportedly offered first baseman Josh Naylor a contract worth more than $78 million.

Naylor is not the only offensive upgrade the Pirates have targeted. Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reported that Pittsburgh has made a four-year offer to designated hitter/outfielder Kyle Schwarber. The offer is believed to exceed $100 million. If Schwarber agrees to sign in Pittsburgh, he would be the first hitter to receive a multi-year contract in free agency since first baseman/outfielder John Jaso signed a two-year, $8 million contract during the 2015-16 offseason.

Pittsburgh Pirates finally looking to invest in exciting young team

The Pirates desperately need to upgrade the lineup if they are going to contend for a playoff berth in 2026. Pirates hitters combined for a .231/.305/.350 batting line in 2025, ranking last in the majors in home runs (117), runs (583) and OPS (.655). The Pirates have a dynamic young rotation, but they cannot win games 0-0.

Schwarber would be a start to overhauling the lineup. He posted a .240/.365/.563 batting line over 724 plate appearances, leading the National League with 56 homers and 132 RBI. The Pirates have not had a player hit at least 30 homers since first baseman Josh Bell belted 37 in 2019; Schwarber has hit at least 30 home runs in seven of his last eight non-pandemic seasons.

The biggest question would be where the Pirates would play Schwarber. He is best suited as a designated hitter, but the door is open for franchise icon Andrew McCutchen to return to Pittsburgh. Schwarber would be a downgrade defensively in left, although his powerful bat would make up for those shortcomings.

Schwarber alone will not be enough to transform the Pirates' lineup. Second, third and catcher are areas of concern, as well. The Pirates hope outfielders Bryan Reynolds and Oneil Cruz can rebound from disappointing 2025 performances. Adding Schwarber would be a nice start, but he cannot be the only signing the Pirates make.