Fansided

MLB Hot Stove: 5 stars who could be on the move

By Joshua Sadlock

Jul 18, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Chris Sale (49) sits in the dugout during the ninth inning against the Seattle Mariners at Safeco Field. Seattle defeated Chicago, 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 18, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Chris Sale (49) sits in the dugout during the ninth inning against the Seattle Mariners at Safeco Field. Seattle defeated Chicago, 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 13, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates center fielder Andrew McCutchen (22) in action against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. The Pittsburgh Pirates won 5-3. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 13, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates center fielder Andrew McCutchen (22) in action against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. The Pittsburgh Pirates won 5-3. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

Andrew McCutchen, CF

That the Pittsburgh Pirates would ever consider trading Andrew McCutchen would have been unheard of two years ago. He was an MVP, the face of the franchise, and the savior of baseball in the Steel City. My, how things have changed. McCutchen’s skills are in obvious decline, and he is no longer the best outfielder in Pittsburgh.

Details emerged that when the Pirates dealt closer Mark Melancon to the Nationals at the deadline, they were also discussing McCutchen. The sides could not come to an agreement to complete what would have been a true blockbuster trade, but the report shows the Pirates were serious about doing more than listening to offers on their All-Star.

McCutchen’s OPS has slid for two consecutive years after peaking at .952 in 2014 when he led the National League. The 30-year-old struggled for most of the 2016 season, slashing .256/.336/.430. He did not miss any significant time, but his swing never looked right.

The Pirates control McCutchen for two more years at a cost of $28.75 million. With Josh Reddick, a far lesser player, receiving a four-year deal for $52 million, McCutchen is a steal at that price. Pittsburgh slumped and missed the playoffs in 2016, and they appear outgunned by the Chicago Cubs. It may be time to see how many prospects McCutchen can return. The Pirates may be wise to hold onto the five-time All-Star until midseason and then trade him if his bat bounces back.

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