BRADENTON, Fla. –According to the Post-Gazette the Pittsburgh Pirates and Andrew McCutchen have agreed to a six-year deal worth $51.5 million with a club option for $14.75 million. The contract buys out at least the first two years of free agency and will keep him in a Pirates uniform at least through the 2017 season.
Per Rob Biertempfel of the Trib Review, the breakdown of McCutchen’s contract is as follows: 2012 – $500 K, plus $1.25 M signing bonus; 2013 – $4.5 M; 2014 – $7.25 M; 2015 – $10 M; 2016 $13 M; 2017 $14 M; Option for $14.75 M or $1 M buyout for the 2018 season.
McCutchen, 25, is the second of the Pirates core players that have signed a long-term deal. Last August, outfielder Jose Tabata signed a six-year extension for $15 M which included three club options.
Just last week, Bob Nutting, the Pirates Chairman of the Board, discussed wanting to lock up core players such as McCutchen as they enter their arbitration years.
Nutting had said there was both interest and flexibility financially.
“We said from the very beginning that we have a plan to build talent and then to retain, and build on talent that are key pieces of the organization,” Nutting said at Pirate City. “[General Manager] Neal [Huntington] has a clear understanding of what those key pieces are. So yes, that’s important, and something that we need to continue to workout. Without addressing specific players, you have seen a continued improvement in talent at the club, as we begin to find ways to ensure that that talent can stay with the club, and continue to contribute. That certainty has always been part of the program. We are indeed reaching the point, that it may not be absolute urgency, but we absolutely have a commitment and a desire to see that happen.”
The deal has not yet been made official by the Pirates.
