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Pursuing contract extension with Jordy Mercer might be on GM's agenda

The Pirates could be pursuing a contract extension with shortstop Jordy Mercer, the rare regular who hasn’t signed an extension. According to multiple reports, the Pirates and Mercer’s representatives have had preliminary discussions about a multiple-year deal.

Mercer, 30, has a .257 batting average and .691 OPS over five seasons with the Pirates. In 2016, he had a .701 OPS and 11 home runs with a career-high 59 RBIs and 51 walks. While his defense has been praised year after year by those within the organization, advanced metrics show him as an average or below-average shortstop — he was graded at -9 Defensive Runs Saved last season.