The Pittsburgh Pirates took a slight gamble when they signed Andrew McCutchen to a six-year, $51.5 million contract before the 2012 season, but more than two years later the outfielder has become the best bargain in baseball.

McCutchen had less than three years of service time when he signed the contract. He responded by having a huge season and then winning the National League MVP in 2013.

He is the 158th-highest-paid player in baseball this season at $7,458,333.

McCutchen ranked second among all NL players in WAR during the 2012 season. He finished third last year and currently ranks fifth in 2014.