Manager Jim Leyland, whose Pittsburgh Pirates were...

Manager Jim Leyland, whose Pittsburgh Pirates were in contention for much of the season, was given a new 2-year contract that runs through 1990.

The Pirates also rehired the coaching staff for 1989.

“Jim has done an outstanding job as field manager of the Pirates for 3 consecutive years and has been a very important reason for the continued improvement of the team’s performance,” General Manager Syd Thrift said.

In 1986, Leyland’s first year as manager, the Pirates finished last in the National League East for the third straight season. The Pirates were in second place through much of this season and within striking distance of the first-place New York Mets through August.

The Mets pulled away in September and clinched the division title Thursday. Still, the Pirates began Friday at 82-69, guaranteeing their first season at better than .500 since 1983. Pittsburgh is almost certain to finish second, which would be the Pirates’ highest finish since 1983.