Pittsburgh, PA – The Pittsburgh Pirates are working on contract extensions to keep outfielder Jose Tabata and second baseman Neil Walker with the club for the long term.
The Tribune-Review reported Friday that sources have revealed Tabata is in line to receive a six-year pact and Walker will receive a similar deal. However, contract talks have stalled between the Pirates and both players.
Tabata, the 23-year-old Venezuelan, is hitting .264 with four home runs, 14 doubles and 17 RBI in 73 games with the Bucs this season. It comes on the heels of a .299 average, four homers, 21 doubles and 35 RBI in 102 games in 2010.
Walker, 25, has struck for 10 homers, 21 doubles and 69 RBI with a .271 average in 120 games thus far in 2011.
The paper also reported that talks between the club and outfielder Andrew McCutchen cooled off.
The 24-year-old Florida native has stolen at least 20 bases in each of his three pro seasons, including 20 in 27 attempts this year. He has batted .271 with 17 homers, 30 doubles, four triples and 71 runs batted in over 120 games for Pittsburgh this season.
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