Orioles miss out on Kyle Schwarber despite matching Phillies' $150 million offer

Matt Sullivan

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Orioles miss out on Kyle Schwarber despite matching Phillies' $150 million offer image

The Baltimore Orioles and Mike Elias have been linked to some of the top names on the free agent market this winter, and their connection to Kyle Schwarber was no surprise.

But the Philadelphia Phillies designated hitter decided to re-sign with his former team on a five-year, $150 million contract. The Orioles missed out on a top free agent and will now pivot elsewhere.

However, Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reported that the Orioles actually matched the offer Schwarber accepted, a five-year deal for $150 million total. But Schwarber chose the Phillies over the Orioles, despite the same offer being on the table.

Orioles matched Kyle Schwarber's $150 million, five-year Phillies contract

"The Orioles offered Schwarber the same five-year, $150 million contract he agreed to Tuesday with the Philadelphia Phillies, according to people briefed on the negotiations," Rosenthal reports.

The Orioles were right there with the Phillies, giving Schwarber the lofty $150 million contract over five years that the Phillies signed the fan favorite slugger to.

While missing out on Schwarber stings for the Orioles, it does prove that their interest in the top free agents is real. They will now turn their attention to Pete Alonso, Kyle Tucker and potentially Cody Bellinger.

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Starting pitching is also a priority, with Framber Valdez and Ranger Suarez being two names to keep a close eye on.

While the Phillies' re-signing Schwarber was seen as the most likely outcome this winter, the Orioles, Pittsburgh Pirates and Cincinnati Reds all made offers for the designated hitter.

But the Orioles' offer of five years for $150 was the best deal by far. The Pirates offered $120 million over four years, while the Reds offered five years at $125 million.

Neither of the NL Central teams had a realistic chance at Schwarber at those values. But the Orioles, who matched the offer Schwarber eventually took from the Phillies, were very serious suitors for the top slugger on the market this winter.

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