PITTSBURGH -- Catcher Chris Stewart and the Pittsburgh Pirates have agreed to a $3 million, two-year contract that avoids salary arbitration, a deal that includes a 2018 club option.
Stewart will make $1.35 million this year and $1.4 million in 2017 under Tuesday's agreement. The Pirates' option is at $1.5 million with a $250,000 buyout.
The 33-year-old hit .289 with eight doubles, 15 RBIs and nine runs scored in 58 games last year while backing up Francisco Cervelli, and he made $1,225,000. Stewart served as the primary catcher for Pirates ace Gerrit Cole.