Pirates, McCutchen agree at $51.5 million

BRADENTON, Florida (AP) ― Andrew McCutchen sounded a bit overwhelmed.

“It all really hasn’t sunk in for me yet,” the All-Star centerfielder said Tuesday after agreeing to a $51.5 million, six-year contract with the Pittsburgh Pirates. “It like when you’re getting remarried and you are renewing your vows. That’s how I feel.”

Though he hit just .259 last year, McCutchen had career highs in home runs (23) and RBIs (89) while stealing 23 bases. He would have been eligible for free agency following the 2015 season.

The 25-year-old gets a $1.25 million signing bonus, payable within 30 days of the contract’s approval by Major League Baseball, and will make $500,000 this season. He gets $4.5 million in 2013, $7.25 million in 2014, $10 million in 2015, $13 million in 2016 and $14 million in 2017. The Pirates have a $14.75 million option for 2018 with a $1 million buyout.

McCutchen ― considered the linchpin of a core group the Pirates are relying on to turn the club around ― received the second-largest contract in franchise history behind Jason Kendall’s $60 million, six-year deal in 2000.

“Andrew McCutchen is one of the best young players in the game and we are very pleased to make this type of commitment to a great player and a great person,” general manager Neal Huntington said. “It has been our intent for Andrew to be a cornerstone for this organization and this contract solidifies that intent for at least the next seven years.”

Steve Hammond, McCutchen’s agent, credited both sides for making sure McCutchen will continue to be among the focal pieces to Pittsburgh’s rebuilding process.