McLouth agrees three year deal with Pirates

MIAMI (Reuters) - Center fielder Nate McLouth agreed a three-year deal with the Pittsburgh Pirates on Tuesday, narrowly avoiding an arbitration hearing.

The deal is worth $14.5 million and includes a $1.5 million signing bonus and performance incentives for All-Star appearances, Gold Glove and Silver Slugger awards, said the team''s website (http://pittsburgh.pirates.mlb.com).

McLouth batted .276 with 26 homers and 94 RBI last season while earning National League All-Star and Gold Glove honors.

The contract was settled just hours before the two sides were scheduled for a salary arbitration hearing on Tuesday.

(Writing by Steve Keating in Toronto; Editing by Tony Jimenez)