Pirates agree to terms with Hanrahan, Morton
All-Star closer Joel Hanrahan agreed Monday to a $4.1 million, one-year contract with the Pittsburgh Pirates, and right-hander Charlie Morton struck a one-year deal worth $2,445,000.
Hanrahan went 1-4 with a 1.83 ERA while saving 40 games for the Pirates in 2011, helping the team to a 15-game improvement over 2010. The 30-year-old right-hander made $1.4 million last season. Hanrahan posted that he ''couldn't be happier'' on his Twitter feed.
In addition to his salary, he can earn $50,000 in performance bonuses based on games finished: $10,000 each for 40 and 45 and $15,000 apiece for 50 and 60.
Morton revitalized his career in 2011, going 10-10 with a 3.83 ERA though he tailed off late in the season. The 28-year-old, who made $441,000 last year, had hip surgery in October but is expected to be ready for opening day.
Both deals avoided salary arbitration. Outfielder Garrett Jones, pitchers Jeff Karstens and Evan Meek and third baseman Casey McGehee remain in arbitration with the Pirates.