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MLB trade rumors: Pirates may shop Andrew McCutchen

By Joshua Sadlock

Aug 9, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates center fielder Andrew McCutchen (22) rounds the bases on a two run home run against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the fifth inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 9, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates center fielder Andrew McCutchen (22) rounds the bases on a two run home run against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the fifth inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /
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Andrew McCutchen has been the face of baseball in Pittsburgh, but the Pirates may look to trade him this winter.

The small-market Pittsburgh Pirates have managed to climb back into relevancy the past five seasons, largely due to Andrew McCutchen’s presence in their lineup. In his first eight seasons in the big leagues, McCutchen has made five All-Star teams, won a Gold Glove, a Silver Slugger, and was named the 2013 National League MVP. The center fielder also led the Pirates back to the playoffs three straight years from 2013 to 2015.

Now, with the Pirates set to miss the playoffs for the first time in four years, McCutchen’s time in the Steel City may end this offseason. According to a report from Rob Biertempfel of the Pittsburgh Tribune, the Pirates’ front office plans to shop their superstar this winter.

Despite maintaining his status of one of the most marketable players in the game, McCutchen has seen his production decline over the past two years. Starling Marte has actually led the Pirates in WAR the past two seasons, and McCutchen is about to wrap up the worst year of his career. He has batted just .255/.336/.430 this year. Scouts around the league have remarked that his legs look heavy and slow. He has battled thumb, knee, and rib injuries over the past few seasons, and a decline in speed as a player reaches his thirties is expected.

For the Pirates, getting a blockbuster return for the face of their franchise may prove difficult.

The Pirates are at a crossroads as far as this current team is constructed. There are good young players like Marte and Gregory Polanco to build around, and Gerrit Cole is a budding ace. Marte and Polanco both have similar skill sets to McCutchen. Dealing McCutchen will be a tough pill to swallow for the baseball community in Pittsburgh. He is beloved for his personality, involvement in the community, and his role in the reversal of fortune after over 20 years of losing baseball.

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McCutchen is signed for a very affordable $14 million in 2017, and has a team option for $14.75 million in 2018. The Pirates will have to be cautious before committing big money to a McCutchen extension. Though he has expressed a desire to retire a Pirate, the franchise simply cannot afford to pay a declining asset out of sentimentality. Look for GM Neal Huntington to quietly shop his star at the winter meetings. If a deal cannot be made, it may be in Pittsburgh’s best interest to hold onto McCutchen and trade him to a contender midseason.

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