Pirates Pursue Free Agent Kyle Schwarber

The Pittsburgh Pirates are pursuing free agent designated hitter Kyle Schwarber, positioning themselves among several contenders for the slugger coming off a breakout season. According to reports, the interest signals a potential shift in the team's long-standing approach to spending, as they seek to bolster an offense that struggled in 2025.

Schwarber, who turns 33 before the 2026 season, led the National League with 56 home runs and drove in 132 runs while finishing second in MVP voting for the Philadelphia Phillies. His power production, including 187 homers over four years in Philadelphia, has drawn widespread attention in free agency. Analysts expect him to command a contract of no more than five years, given his age and role as a full-time designated hitter with limited positional versatility. Still, his proven postseason pedigree and left-handed pull power make him a desirable addition for teams needing a middle-order anchor.

The Pirates' pursuit of Schwarber follows their recent bid for first baseman Josh Naylor, to whom they offered more than $80 million before he re-signed with the Seattle Mariners on a five-year, $92.5 million deal. General Manager Ben Cherington has...