PITTSBURGH — Pirates reliever Damaso Marte agreed to a $4.7 million, two-year contract with Pittsburgh on Monday.

Marte, acquired from the Chicago White Sox for utilityman Rob Mackowiak last December, was 1-7 with a 3.70 ERA while making a career-high 75 appearances for the Pirates this year. He struck out 63 and walked 31 in 58 1-3 innings.

"He's an important guy in our bullpen," Pittsburgh general manager Dave Littlefield said.

The deal includes a $6 million club option for 2009 with a $250,000 buyout. Marte gets $2.45 million next year and $2 million in 2008. He could earn an additional $750,000 each year in bonuses based on games finished.

Marte has been tough on left-handed hitters, holding them to averages of .170 or below in 2003 and 2004. Last season, left-handed hitters had a .225 average with two homers against him.

The 31-year-old Marte has a 15-21 career record, a 3.28 ERA and 31 saves in 382 appearances in seven seasons with Mariners, Pirates and White Sox.

Marte made $2.25 million this year, and the Pirates held $3 million club options for 2007 and 2008. If the Pirates had declined the 2007 option and not re-signed him, he would have been owed a $250,000 buyout.