BRADENTON, Fla. — Outfielder Nate McLouth reached an agreement with the Pittsburgh Pirates today on a $15.75 million, three-year contract that includes a team option for 2012.

The agreement was struck hours before the scheduled start of a salary arbitration hearing in Phoenix.

McLouth hit .276 last season with 26 home runs and 94 RBIs. He was on the NL All-Star team and won a Gold Glove in center field.

He gets a $1.5 million signing bonus and salaries of $2 million this year, $4.5 million in 2010 and $6.5 million in 2011. Pittsburgh has a $10.65 million option for 2012 with a $1.25 million buyout.

In addition, he can earn up to $1.75 million in escalators. For 2011 and 2012, his salary could increase by up to $500,000 annually: $200,000 if he was an All-Star the previous year, $200,000 if he was a Gold Glove winner the previous year and $100,000 if he was a Sliver Slugger winner the previous year.

For the option year, the amounts would be $300,000 each for All-Star and Gold Glove the previous year and $150,000 for All-Star the previous year.

McLouth was eligible for arbitration for the first time after making $425,500 last year. When players and teams exchanged proposed arbitration salaries last month, he asked for $3.8 million and the Pirates offered $2.75 million.