Extension for Starling Marte?

Figures that the first post under the new Marte Partay name would be about Starling himself. This is a great question that I have seen around several circles from Pirate bloggers and we all agree. Marte should be extended this offseason.

We all know that Marte is playing extremely well right now and that should not affect an extension. Marte has a small sample size. He has only played for less than a season and will play a little more than a full year at the end of the season. This shouldn't discourage an extension though either. These extensions have both of those positive and negative affects. The positive being an Evan Longoria (7 years $29 million with big option years making it worth over $100 million) and the negative of Jose Tabata (6 years $18 million with big option years). I think Marte could be as good as Longoria but may not be. I think the deal should be modeled after someone who signed yesterday, Anthony Rizzo.

Rizzo has similar experience to Marte and is a similar caliber player. He signed a 7 year $41 million deal with a big option year ($10 million). This would get Marte thorough his age 30 season at least and probably age 31 season with the option. This is perfect for Marte and the Pirates because he'll make more money as his skill improves and this gives the Pirates a cost effective control that buys out all of his arbitration years and one year of free agency.

This is the perfect situation for the Pirates and they could lock up Marte and McCutchen to play together for another 3 years. They showed interest in a power outfield under control when they pursued Justin Upton and this could be the next best thing. I just hope it gets done sooner rather than later.