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Report: Cervelli seeking 3-year extension from Pirates

Charles LeClaire / USA TODAY Sports

The Pittsburgh Pirates didn't have to wait long to find a suitable replacement for Russell Martin, and now Francisco Cervelli is hoping to extend his stay in the Steel City.

Acquired from the New York Yankees prior to last season, Cervelli is entering his final year under contract in Pittsburgh. On the heels of a career year - his first as a starter - he would reportedly forego free agency if the Pirates offered an extension in the neighborhood of three years, $39 million, according to Travis Sawchik of the Pittsburgh Tribune.

The 29-year-old, who will earn $3.5 million in 2016, hit .295/.370/.401 with seven home runs and 17 doubles in 130 games last season, while finishing fourth among catchers with 3.1 WAR.

Pirates general manager Neal Huntington acknowledged there is some interest in extending Cervelli if the two sides can find a deal that works for both parties.

"We like Cervelli a lot and would welcome the chance to have him remain a Pirate in the event we are able to find a contract that makes sense for both the player and club," he told Sawchik.

"We are also fortunate to have two quality catching prospects (Reese McGuire, Elias Diaz) that are near major-league ready in case we are not able to reach common financial ground."

The Pirates reportedly agreed to a two-year deal with backup catcher Chris Stewart earlier this month.

Next season's free-agent class is thin, especially behind the plate, with Cervelli, Matt Wieters, Ryan Hanigan, Wilson Ramos, and Dioner Navarro representing the best available options.

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