According to Ken Rosenthal, the Pittsburgh Pirates and left fielder Starling Marte are close on signing a six-year deal. We heard a few days ago that the Pirates had made two offers to Marte over the Winter and he rejected both of them, but he was still open to negotiate. It sounds like the two sides have resumed talks and a deal may happen soon.
Sources: #Pirates, Marte close on six-year extension.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) March 26, 2014
Update 10:22am: Well, that was quick. According to Jon Heyman, the deal is done pending physical. The deal includes at least one option year.
Pirates and starling marte agree on 6-year extension. Includes at least 1 optoon year as well. Pending physical.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) March 26, 2014
Update 10:27am: Jim Duquette is reporting that deal is for $31,000,000
.@Jim_Duquette reports Starling Marte deal with PIrates is $31 Million over 6 years
— MLB Network Radio on SiriusXM (@MLBNetworkRadio) March 26, 2014
Update 10:40am: Multiple sources are now saying it’s a six-year deal with two club options. The deal starts in 2014, so this buys out three years of Marte’s free agent years.