The Pittsburgh Pirates and free-agent Paul Maholm have held discussions to bring the pitcher back to Pittsburgh, but a return is "highly unlikely" a team source tells Dejan Kovacevic of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.

"Management continues to seek to add to its rotation, but any additions probably will come from nonroster invitees or means other than a high-profile free agent."

Maholm, 29, posted a 3.66 ERA across 162 innings of work with a 5.38 K/9 and 2.77 BB/9 last season.

The Pirates granted the 29-year-old Maholm free agency after declining his $9.75 million club option. Maholm has been part of the Pirates organization since 2003, when he was drafted with the eight-overall pick by the team, and it appears he'll be looking for a new organization to join now.

• Pirates, starter Maholm talk; return is unlikely - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
  "The Pirates and free-agent pitcher Paul Maholm have had discussions, but a team source confirmed Tuesday that his return to Pittsburgh is highly unlikely."