Pirates extend contracts of GM Neal Huntington, manager Clint Hurdle

Clint Hurdle (left) and Neal Huntington (right) have turned around the Pirates' fortunes. (Charlie Riedel/AP Images)

The Pirates had their first winning season and playoff berth since 1992 last season, and the team rewarded general manager Neal Huntington and manager Clint Hurdle by extending each of their contracts three years — with club options for 2018 — Pirates president Frank Coonelly announced on Saturday.

"Neal and Clint have led a team of baseball professionals, in the front office and on the field, that has transformed the Pittsburgh Pirates into a club that again must be reckoned with in the National League," Coonelly said. "We are extremely pleased that they will continue to lead this team in Pittsburgh."

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Pittsburgh beat the Reds in the NL Wild Card game last year and then lost the Division Series to the Cardinals in five games. Also, Andrew McCutchen became the team's first Most Valuable Player since Barry Bonds in '92.

Hurdle, 56, is in his fourth season with the Pirates and has a record of 248-242. He also managed the Rockies from 2002-09, where he was 534-625, including a trip to the 2007 World Series.

Hurdle was named NL Manager of the Year last season.

Huntington, who joined the Pirates in 2007, has overseen a turnaround in which the team has improved its win total each of the last three seasons. The club also has the best farm system in league, according to Baseball America.

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