According to Tim Dierkes of MLB Trade Rumors, the Pittsburgh Pirates are discussing a multi-year extension with outfielder Jose Tabata. Dierkes mentions that Tabata has recently switched agents as well.
Tabata won’t be eligible for arbitration until after the 2013 season, and he won’t be eligible for free agency until after the 2016 season. A multi-year extension would surely cover his remaining control years. The big question is whether the Pirates could get a year or two of his free agent years in a deal. Any deal that just covered his arbitration years wouldn’t really be worth it for the Pirates, although obviously we don’t know the details since we only know the two sides are discussing an extension.
Tabata hit for a .299 average with a .746 OPS last year in his rookie campaign. The 22 year old has hit for a .264 average this year, with a .713 OPS. He’s see a slight increase in his home run power and an increase to his walk rate, despite his average being down.
August 19, 2011 at 7:26 pm
Jose is just so pumped to be in RF in front the wall named after his hero he wanted to make sure he wasnt going anywhere.
So what are we thinking 6 For 18-20mill i couldnt see more than that. From now til arb he would only make around $1mill. I would think a nice discount is in order. Considering his leg,age(possibly), and lack of power as of yet problems.
August 19, 2011 at 7:27 pm
If the Pirates are discussing multiyear contracts with any of their young players, the priority must be McCutchen and then Walker.
August 19, 2011 at 8:02 pm
If the 6 year rumors are true, here’s my guesses:
2012 (pre-arb 2) $500K
2013 (pre-arb 2) $750K
2014 (arb-1) $2M
2015 (arb-2) $3.5M
2016 (arb-3) $5M
2017 (FA1) $9M
That would be $20.75M over 6 years.
August 19, 2011 at 10:59 pm
http://espn.go.com/mlb/story/_/id/6877703/jose-tabata-signs-six-year-extension-pittsburgh-pirates-source-says Looks Offical