Some teams pursue free agents because they genuinely want to get better. Other teams pursue free agents to make themselves look good to the fans.

We will find out in the weeks ahead exactly which category the Pittsburgh Pirates fall into. Their failed pursuit of first baseman Josh Naylor provides a clue.

The Pirates reportedly offered Naylor a five-year, $78-million contract. However, the Mariners re-signed him on a five-year, $92-million deal.

I was surprised Naylor signed at that price. He could have commanded a contract of at least $100 million. Yet Naylor left money on the table because he was comfortable with the Mariners.

The Pirates had to know that Naylor would reject their offer. There is little incentive for a free agent to sign a below-market contract with the Pirates unless he has ties to the Pittsburgh area.

Many visiting players I talk with have an affinity for the city. However, they are wary of joining a franchise that has had 29 losing seasons over the last 33 years.

Naylor would have been a good addition to the Pirates as a left-handed-hitting first baseman playing his home games at PNC Park. He has hit .275/.336/.464 over the last four seasons with 88 home runs and 52 stolen bases. Naylor has a reputation for being a bit grouchy at times, but fans and teammates love his enthusiastic, hard-charging style of play.

The Pirates now have their sights set on designated hitter Kyle Schwarber, who led the National League with 56 home runs and 132 RBIs last season while playing for the Philadelphia Phillies. Yet it is hard to imagine the Pirates landing Schwarber, especially if they make another low-end bid as they did to Naylor.

The Pirates desperately need to upgrade their offense after being last in MLB in runs scored, home runs, and OPS this season. The lack of hitting was so acute that the Pirates finished 71-91 and in last place in the NL Central despite having the seventh-best ERA in the big leagues.

Trusting the Pirates to spend enough to acquire quality hitters and build a winning team is problematic. The Pirates have had a bottom-five payroll in MLB in 16 of 19 seasons in which Bob Nutting has been the primary owner.

Perhaps Nutting is trying to show the angry fans that he is serious about winning. Or maybe the Pirates are making offers they know won't be accepted, hoping fans will think they tried.

We will find out as the offseason unfolds.