Pirates exercised 3B Pedro Alvarez's $700,000 club option for 2013.
It was never in doubt. The option was part of Alvarez's contract when he originally signed with the Pirates in 2008. He also has a $700,000 club option for next season. The 25-year-old batted just .244 this season, but set new career-highs with 30 homers and 85 RBI.