By Samantha Russo — 3/6/12
It’s a pay day for the face of the franchise.
Andrew McCutchen and the Pittsburgh Pirates have agreed to a six-year, $51.5 million contract.
This is the second largest contract in franchise history.
Before the Pirates took on the Yankees, McCutchen and General Manager Neal Huntington spoke at a press conference today at Mckechnie Field in Bradenton. Huntington praised the young star.
“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,” he 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.”
Last year, McCutchen had career highs in homeruns and RBIs and he is expected to be just as good this season. McCutchen says that staying in Pittsburgh is like a dream come true.
“It’s almost like getting drafted all over again,” McCutchen said.”It’s almost like being married, and you renew your vows…it’s just meant to be.”
McCutchen was the Pirates first-round pick in the 2005 draft and made his major league debut four years later.