Pirates owner would love to see McCutchen 'stay forever'

Pittsburgh Pirates owner Bob Nutting understands his club doesn't have the luxury of outspending the league's deep-pocketed teams to bring free agents to the Steel City.

That's why holding on to franchise pillar Andrew McCutchen is of the utmost importance.

"I'm not sure we're allowed to sign lifetime agreements, but I'd love to see him stay with us forever," Nutting told Bob Nightengale of USA TODAY Sports. "He's been remarkable for the game, and for Pittsburgh, on and off the field."

The product of two decades of losing, the Pirates spoiled numerous first-round picks before eventually striking gold when they chose McCutchen with the 11th overall selection in the 2005 draft.

The five-time All-Star has been adamant that he would like to remain in Pittsburgh for his entire career, but says the onus is on ownership.

"This is still a place I do want to be," McCutchen told Bill Brink of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. "I love it here. If that's something that they can do, that's something they can do. I really can't answer from their end. We'll see what happens in the future."

There is no immediate rush for the Pirates front office to get a deal done, as McCutchen remains under contract for the next two seasons at a combined $27 million, with a $14.75-million team option for the 2018 season.