Last week, it was reported by Jon Heyman of the MLB Network that the Pittsburgh Pirates planned to pick up the $11.5 million option the team had for center fielder Starling Marte for the 2020 season. On Monday, the Pirates made this move official.
In addition to picking up Marte’s option, the team officially picked up pitcher Chris Archer‘s option for 2020 as well. Archer, who is coming off the worst season of his career, is set to earn $9 million next season. However, this may still prove to be a contract of great value for the Pirates as there is a lot of reason to believe that with a new pitching coach Archer could regain his old form in 2020.