Pirates, Wilson Discussing Extension

Dejan Kovacevic of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette says the Pirates and Jack Wilson are beginning to discuss a contract extension. Wilson apparently initiated talks this week, indicating a desire to stay with the club beyond next year when his contract could expire.

Wilson is set to make $7.25MM in 2009, with a club option for $8.4MM or a $500K buyout. In this economic climate, Wilson will almost certainly have to accept a salary reduction. During the offseason he was shopped aggressively but no market was found for the 31-year old shortstop.

Rob Biertempfel of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review says Wilson contacted them to renegotiate the option-year of his contract in an effort to remain in Pittsburgh. While this is somewhat contrary to Kovacevic report, it's not unreasonable to expect both reports to be true. If staying in Pittsburgh is Wilson prerogative, then renegotiating his club option would buy him more time to get an extension done, and any extension would presumably begin next season in place of the option.