"The Pirates were close to bringing outfielder Nate McLouth back to Pittsburgh on a one-year contract Tuesday night, according to an industry source.

The Pirates are seeking depth at their corner outfield positions because Alex Presley and Jose Tabata missed time last season because of injuries.

The Pirates selected McLouth, 30, in the 2000 draft. He played for them from 2005-09 before they traded him to the Atlanta Braves for pitchers Charlie Morton and Jeff Locke and outfielder Gorkys Hernandez .

McLouth hit .228 with a .344 on-base percentage in 81 games last season. In the past two seasons, he hit .210 with 10 home runs. In parts of five seasons with the Pirates, he hit .261 with a .339 on-base percentage to go with 60 home runs and an .801 on-base plus slugging percentage (OPS)."