Bradenton, FL (SportsNetwork.com) - The Pittsburgh Pirates officially announced their agreement with Starling Marte on a six-year contract extension that could keep the talented young outfielder with the team through 2021.
CBSSports.com reported Wednesday that the deal holds a total value of $31 million and includes club options for both the 2020 and 2021 seasons. The new pact will begin immediately, meaning Marte will receive a raise on the $512,400 salary he was set to make this year.
"Today is a great day for Starling Marte and the Pittsburgh Pirates organization," said Pirates general manager Neal Huntington. "We are honored to make a commitment to such a quality young man and exciting young player and we are humbled that Starling has made a significant commitment to the Pirates."
In his first full season in the majors, Marte played a key role in the Pirates reaching the playoffs for the first time since 1992. The 25-year-old tied for second in the National League with 10 triples and finished third in stolen bases (41) as Pittsburgh's primary leadoff hitter, while batting .280 with 12 home runs and 35 RBI in 135 games.
Marte also hit an NL-best .402 with a .440 on-base percentage against left- handed pitching and became the first Pirates outfielder since Andy Van Slyke in 1992 to record double-digit totals in doubles, triples and homers in the same season.
The native Dominican is the third Pittsburgh outfielder in the last three years to sign a six-year extension with the club, joining 2013 NL MVP Andrew McCutchen and Jose Tabata.
[SportsNetwork.com]
