The Pirates are actively shopping center fielder Andrew McCutchen, according to multiple sources, and the likelihood of a trade is increasing as the winter meetings approach. The front office has started pursuing specific teams in an effort to work out a trade for young talent.
McCutchen, 30, had the worst season of his career in 2016, posting a .766 OPS, and has displayed declining speed and defensive ability, according to advanced metrics. In the previous five years, McCutchen had a .905 OPS, a National League MVP, a Gold Glove and a .905 OPS.
McCutchen is due $14 million in 2017 and has a $14.5 million club option for 2018.
On Wednesday, Fox Sports’ Ken Rosenthal reported McCutchen “might be the most likely” to be traded of the big-name targets this winter. The Pirates could hold on to McCutchen, the No. 11 overall pick in the 2005 draft, and hope his trade value rebounds with a strong 2017 season.
Despite the sluggish 2016 season, McCutchen had a .852 OPS in August and September. Should he be traded and return to form, it would be a long two years for the Pirates front office. But if the Pirates project McCutchen is descending from his prime, a trade preserves some of his value.
The Pirates’ biggest need this offseason is starting pitching. With a weak and pricey free agent market, their best avenue to acquire quality pitching is via trade. They could move a top prospect — something they have long been reluctant to do — or they could move a proven everyday player. For the Pirates, there is no drawback to dangling McCutchen on the market. They could reject all trade offers and keep their former MVP, or they could pull off a trade they like.
The ball is in the Pirates’ court, and they have gotten more aggressive this week. General manager Neal Huntington is not only listening to offers, according to sources, he also has been picking up the phone and reaching out to potential suitors. Once outfielder Yoenis Cespedes re-signed Wednesday with the New York Mets, McCutchen became one of the top available outfielders.
The Pirates discussed a McCutchen trade with the Washington Nationals, the Texas Rangers and the Seattle Mariners, the sources said, and are looking primarily for prospects in return.
The Nationals have talented prospects to offer, plus several middle-of-the-rotation options. Acquiring McCutchen would allow top prospect Trea Turner to move back to shortstop.
In Texas, McCutchen would reunite with Rangers manager Jeff Banister, who was Pirates bench coach before taking the job in Texas. But the Rangers have fewer prospects to deal since they dipped into their minor league system several times for trades the past two years.
If McCutchen is traded, the Pirates could move Starling Marte from left field to center and put Gregory Polanco and Josh Bell in the corner outfield spots as prospect Austin Meadows continues to develop. That could return John Jaso and David Freese to a first-base platoon.
A source said the Pirates are asking other teams about major league outfielders, which could be a sign they are planning ahead so as to be prepared should they trade away McCutchen.
The Pirates have also inquired about relief pitchers. They could be convinced to part with closer Tony Watson, who is a year from free agency. They made a similar move last December when they traded Neil Walker to the New York Mets for left-hander Jon Niese.
Staff writer Bill Brink contributed. Stephen J. Nesbitt: snesbitt@post-gazette.com and Twitter @stephenjnesbitt.
First Published: November 30, 2016, 9:01 p.m.
