Updated: Pirates, Jose Tabata agree to 6 year extension through 2016 season

The Pittsburgh Pirates are on the verge of signing outfielder Jose Tabata to a 6 year extension, according to ESPNDeportes.com.

Tabata, 23, is hitting .264 on the season with 4 home runs and 17 RBI’s in 73 games. He has 14 doubles and 14 stolen bases this season.

The Pirates this season have failed to lockup their top priority, Andrew McCutchen to a multi-year extension in the 5-to-6 year range. Talks broke off last month. McCutchen’s agent is a strong advocate of not sacrificing potential salary for immediate salary. They have been against giving up free agency years.

Thoughts on potential multi-year deal for Tabata?

Updated: The Pirates have also opened up contract negotiations with second baseman Neil Walker. A deal is expected to be completed before the end of the regular season but is not near completion like the Tabata deal.

Updated 7:30 p.m. – Tabata’s new 6 year deal is through the 2016 season with options for 2017, 2018, and 2019 seasons.

According to ESPN.com, here is the breakdown of the deal that includes restructuring for 2011 season: 2011: $1 million signing bonus, salary increases to $500,000 | 2012: $750,000 | 2013: $1 Million | 2014: $3 million | 2015: $4 million | 2016: $4.5 million |

1. Jose Tabata, RF

2. Garrett Jones, 1B

3. Andrew McCutchen, CF

4. Ryan Doumit, C

5. Neil Walker, 2B

6. Ryan Ludwick, LF

7. Brandon Wood, 3B

8. Ronny Cedeno, SS

9. Kevin Correia, P