Pirates sign infielder Freese to contract extension

PITTSBURGH (AP) Pittsburgh Pirates infielder David Freese has signed a two-year, $11 million contract that takes him through the 2018 season with a club option for 2019.

Under the deal announced Monday, Freese will make $6.25 million in 2017 and $4.25 million in `18. Pittsburgh can pick up a $6 million option for '19 or buy him out for $500,000.

Freese said: ''It's always good to be wanted and the Pirates made that clear when they offered the extension.''

The 33-year-old signed a one-year, $3 million contract as a free agent in March and is hitting .276 with 12 home runs and 49 RBIs in 107 games. The eight-year veteran has made 58 starts at third base and 26 at first base.

Freese could have become eligible for free agency again after the World Series.

Freese broke into the major leagues in 2009 with his hometown St. Louis Cardinals and was the NLCS and World Series MVP in 2011. He was traded to the Los Angeles Angels after the 2013 season and played with them for two seasons.