Starling Marte agrees to six-year extension

Starling Marte and the Pittsburgh Pirates have agreed upon an extension that will keep Marte in Pittsburgh through at least the 2019 season, after the sides agreed upon a six-year, $31 million deal yesterday. The deal includes two option years, and will kick in during the 2014 season, putting Marte under team control throughout 2021.

The deal had been rumored to be close over the past week, and was only about time before the two sides agreed upon a pact. At only a $5.167M AAV, Marte earns the money he deserved, while the Pirates did not overpay the outfielder. It seems that Marte will continue to have a great situation in Pittsburgh with the Pirates.

In 2013, the primary left fielder hit .280/.343/.441 with 12 home runs and 35 RBI (122 OPS+) in 135 games. In his first full season, Marte added 5.5 WAR (worth about an All Star), 3.1 oWAR, and a 1.8 dWAR. Basically, this means that Marte is an all-around player. Last season, Marte made $500,000, and will be taking a huge pay raise this upcoming season.

The deal makes sense for both sides; Marte gets his contract, while the Pirates get an All Star caliber player for a long time at a great deal. Marte will stay in Pittsburgh and continue to provide for the Pirates in 2014 and beyond.