Phillies insider details why Kyle Schwarber remains out of Pirates' reach despite $100M plus offer

Philadelphia Phillies insider Jim Salisbury doesn't think the Pittsburgh Pirates are title contenders, and as such, Kyle Schwarber won't join them. Schwarber, one of the best free agents available, received a four-year contract offer worth more than $100 million from the Pirates, according to MLB insider Ken Rosenthal.

Salisbury has been covering the Phillies for over 25 years, having worked more than 13 years for The Philadelphia Inquirer. He shared his thoughts about the NL Central team's offer to Schwarber on Monday's episode of "Phillies Show."

"Not surprising," Salisbury said (Timestamp: 1:51). "I think some of these teams that have received a lot of revenue sharing over the years are under some heat to spend some of that money because it could have impact on the next CBA. And what better guy to pursue than Kyle Schwarber, a difference-maker in the batter’s box."

"But, you know, Kyle Schwarber wants to win, and the Pirates aren't ready," he added. "I don't see that happening. I think it behooves the Pirates to get that out there to show their fan base, 'At least we're trying.'"

Schwarber joined the Phillies in March 2022 for a four-year, $79 million contract. In his last season, the 32-year-old slugger achieved career highs in WAR (4.7), games played (162), home runs (56) and RBIs (132). He came second in the NL MVP voting, behind Shohei Ohtani.

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Jim Salisbury predicts where Kyle Schwarber will land

In the same conversation with Todd Zalecki on "Phillies Show," Jim Salisbury said that it would be in the best interest of the Pirates and Kyle Schwarber's team to disclose the offered deal. He also said the Boston Red Sox and New York Mets are also interested in Schwarber.

"But the team with the most interest remains the Phillies," Salisbury said (Timestamp: 2:46)."When I hear the Pittsburgh Pirates made a four-year offer, my first reaction is, 'OK, do we think the Phillies haven't made an offer? Do we think the Phillies probably haven't made a four-year offer? Of course, I'm sure they have. Things are just a little tighter to the vest."

"I'm still going to stick by what I've said all along," he added. "I think the guy's going to get a five-year deal, and I think it's going to be right here in Philadelphia. And I feel like we're reaching the homestretch. So that's kind of where I stand on Kyle Schwarber."

Todd Zalecki agreed with Salisbury's comments. He pointed out that Dave Dombrowski, the Phillies' president of baseball operations, has been open about re-signing the coveted free agent.