MLB Trade Rumors reports that the Pittsburgh Pirates may be contemplating a multiyear extension for 24 year old outfielder Andrew McCutchen. This follows on the heals of Jay Bruce's recently signed contract extension with the Reds. However, Luke Adams in his article rightly points out that McCutchen's extension should be modeled after that of Justin Upton's six-year $51.25 MM extension which he signed last winter. McCutchen finished last year with a .286/.365/.449 slash line, and 16 HR's, 94 R's, and 56 RBI's in 570 PA's, numbers very similar to Upton's pre-2010 signing. And like Upton, he is looked upon more for his speed than his power. McCutchen stole 33 bases in 2010, but also was caught stealing 10 times.
The question the Pirates now face is whether or not McCutchen's service time qualifies him for Super Two status. He has accumulated one year and 123 days of service. If the cutoff in 2011 is similar to last year's one year and 122 days of service, it can pose a problem for Pittsburgh's future payroll. Both sides will most likely opt, therefore, to wait for clarity on this issue before pursuing an extension. McCutchen is now under the Pirates control through 2015, and regardless of when arbitration may take place, he remains a vital key to the Pirates future hopes.
