In what was a formality, the Pirates on Friday announced they will exercise Andrew McCutchen’s $14.5 million club option for the 2018 season.

If the Pirates had declined McCutchen’s option, which was a thought in the organization during the early parts of last season, McCutchen would have been owed a $1 million buyout.

The Pirates also declined club options for catcher Chris Stewart and left-handed reliever Wade LeBlanc. Stewart, whose option was worth $1.5 million, received a $250,000 buyout and will become a free agent.