Andrew McCutchen: Why Pirates Must Lock Him Up Long-Term NOW

The Pittsburgh Pirates are the worst franchise in baseball.

Things have been abysmal in the Steel City for too long. It has taken nearly two decades for the tide to begin to change.

Pittsburgh has assembled a young nucleus on the field, and has used the draft to develop a solid foundation in their minor league ranks.

The centerpiece of their current nucleus is Andrew McCutchen. Not only is McCutchen Pittsburgh's best player, but he is one of the best young players in baseball today.

McCutchen is set to hit arbitration next winter. Most teams would throw money at a young superstar like McCutchen to ensure he is theirs for the coming years.

However, this is the Pirates. They are not most teams.

Here are eight reasons why the Pirates must sign McCutchen to a long term deal, right now.

Team-Friendly Contracts

The Tampa Bay Rays are lucky to have their superstar, Evan Longoria, under contract through 2013 with options extending through 2016.

Not only is Longoria locked up for the future, but his contract is one of the most team-friendly deals in baseball. Longoria is set to make $4.5 million in 2012 and $6 million in 2013.

Considering Longoria's power production and Gold Glove defense, that is a steal.

Recently, the Rays locked up future ace Matt Moore with a five year, $14 million deal. The deal could potentially keep Moore in Tampa through 2019.

This is how winning foundations are built for years to come. Draft well, develop correctly and reward production when the time is right.

The Rays understand how to lock up their assets when the ball is in their court.

The Pirates must take a page out of Andrew Friedman's book, and keep Andrew McCutchen in Pittsburgh under their terms.

Leverage Down the Road

The Cincinnati Reds inked Jay Bruce to a six year, $51 million deal with a club option for 2017. The Arizona Diamondbacks gave Justin Upton similar treatment with a six year, $51.25 million deal.

Both teams avoided arbitration with the backbone of their upstart franchises. This is the blueprint for a pending Andrew McCutchen extension.

Bruce and Upton's deals are both loaded with money on the back end. Expect McCutchen to seek the same deal in terms of years, money and allotment.

He is currently 25, and will be entering his prime in the second half of a prospective contract.

The longer the Pirates wait to sign McCutchen, the more leverage he has. Not that he doesn't deserve it, but the Pirates don't want to be held over for a king's ransom by the budding superstar.

McCutchen knows how much he is worth because of similar situations in Arizona and Cincinnati. Don't think he won't cash in if the Pirates don't strike at the right time.

Show Commitment to Success

First and foremost, the Pirates organization must show a commitment to fielding a competitive team. Not just for a 20 game period in June, but for years on end.

The Pirates' front office must show their players that they are committed. Showing the fans their commitment could be just as important.

The Pirates jumped in major league baseball's attendance rankings this past season. In 2010, the Pirates were No. 27. The Pirates came in at No. 22 in 2011.

Fans want to see a team win, or at least a team that competes every night. Last season the Pirates showed the ability to win games. That must continue if they want to create fervor among their hopeful fanbase.

Andrew McCutchen became a fan favorite the second he stepped onto the field in 2009.

If the Pirate front office can't keep him in Pittsburgh fans will be outraged, and they probably should be.

Team Morale

How would you feel if you were a Pirate player and your front office lets your best player, and leader, take his talents to another city?

I would bet you wouldn't be happy, and that is what the Pirate front office must avoid.

The current Pirate squad provided excitement last season. August rolled around and the Pirates were still playing meaningful baseball instead of wallowing in the cellar of the NL Central.

What better way to inject energy into a young team than inking the cornerstone to a long-term contract?

Clint Hurdle did his job by changing the players' attitude in 2011. Now it's the front office's turn to motivate their squad.

Give McCutchen an extension and show this team solid performance will be rewarded. Do it now, before it's too late.

Give Other Players a Reason to Come to Pittsburgh

The Pittsburgh Pirates could use a few top-tier free agents, but what marquee name would want to come to Pittsburgh right now?

Sign Andrew McCutchen to a long-term deal, and that could change in a hurry.

Current Pirates' management must find a way to make their franchise more attractive to notable players. Changing the current culture of the franchise by signing their best player would be a statement.

The Pirates have a chance to lock McCutchen down before he enters arbitration next winter.

They must show a sense of urgency, and give their young superstar the money he deserves before their backs are against the wall.

If players know McCutchen is in Pittsburgh for the long run, the Pirates franchise will certainly be more enticing for Type A free agents and potential trade acquisitions down the road.

Small Window for Success

The Pirates may only have one shot at becoming relevant again.

Their current nucleus on offense must still be around by the time their future aces climb the minor-league ranks.

Andrew McCutchen is the centerpiece of that young nucleus, and all could be lost if he slips through their grasp.

Jameson Taillon, Garrett Cole and Luis Heredia are expected to anchor the Pirate starting rotation for years to come. However, Taillon and Cole are still two years away. Heredia is probably three or four years away from seeing PNC Park.

The Pirates' top position prospects are also on their way. Starling Marte could be the center fielder of the future and is in line for a September call-up. 2011 draftee Josh Bell is still three or four years away, but will provide pop to an excellent Pirate outfield in the coming years.

None of this matters if McCutchen doesn't stay in the Steel City.

The Pirates must open their small window just a crack.

Otherwise, they could drift further into baseball purgatory.

Break the Current Pirate Mold

In case you weren't aware, the Pirates haven't been a relevant franchise for awhile. Nearly two decades to be exact.

Irresponsible spending by poor management has led to a below-average talent pool in the Steel City since 1992. Eric Clapton's Tears in Heaven was a Billboard Top 10 song in 1992.

Yeah, it has been that long.

Pirate management has made a habit of frugal spending, and allotting their marginal money in all the wrong places. The Pirates must break that mold. Signing Andrew McCutchen to an extension is step one in that rigorous process.

Currently, the Pirates are stuck in the longest rebuilding phase in modern sports history. McCutchen offers a bright light at the end of a very dark tunnel.

Neil Huntingdon and the Pirates must do everything in their power to make sure he doesn't slip away.

McCutchen Has Earned It

Andrew McCutchen broke into the major leagues in 2009.

He proved his value immediately, finishing fourth in Rookie of the Year voting. He hit a .286 clip with 12 homeruns and 54 RBI in 108 games. He also stole 22 bases.

McCutchen has continued to impress after playing in his first two full seasons.

In 2010, he hit .286 with 16 homeruns and 56 RBI. He also stole 33 bases, but did get caught on 10 tries.

Last season McCutchen sacrificed contact for power. He hit .259, but had 23 homeruns. He knocked in 89 runners and stole 23 bases.

McCutchen is a true five-tool player. His defense is not spectacular, but he has terrific range because of his astounding speed.

Offensively, he has the makeup of a 30-30 player for years to come. Pittsburgh has not had his type of talent since Barry Bonds donned their respective uniform in the early-90s.

Bottom line, McCutchen has earned a long-term deal from the Pirate front office. He provides hope to a distraught fanbase, and a desperate franchise.