The Pittsburgh Pirates signed Andrew McCutchen, Starling Marte, and Josh Harrison to contract extensions before the market price for those three exceeded the team's payroll restrictions. Rumors suggest outfielder Gregory Polanco could be next.
Although the two sides tabled contract extension talks last year, Polanco told Adam Berry of MLB.com that he's open to engaging in such discussions again. To be clear, he also said he hasn't heard anything on the subject from the Pirates.
"I'm open to it," Polanco told Rob Biertempfel of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review on Thursday during the team's minicamp. "Whatever (offer) they bring, I'll check it out. I never say never."
"I'm not thinking about a contract right now. But whenever they come to me, I'll be here. Now, my mind is on (playing) baseball."
Biertempfel elaborated upon such a scenario as well.
"According to a source familiar with the situation, there are no active talks between the Pirates and Polanco's camp. That could change after the team finalizes deals with its seven arbitration-eligible players over the next few weeks."
Jon Heyman reported last April that the talks between the two sides "broke down" yet again. They were also discussing an extension during May of 2014, but nothing ever came to fruition.
The 24-year-old outfielder hit .256/.320/.381 with 83 runs scored, 9 home runs, 52 RBI and 27 stolen bases in 153 games last year to follow up his rookie campaign. Polanco does not become eligible for arbitration until after the 2017 season and won't become a free agent until after 2020.
Still, the Pirates are likely trying to figure out a way to lock up their core of young, talented players as they endure a competitive road ahead in the NL Central. Polanco is the next one up, but there will need to be more of a consensus this time around to arrive at an agreement.
