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5 teams who should trade for Andrew McCutchen

By Joshua Sadlock

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 /
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Oct 10, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Washington Nationals center fielder Trea Turner (7) runs to home plate to score a run during the third inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers in game three of the 2016 NLDS playoff baseball series at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 10, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Washington Nationals center fielder Trea Turner (7) runs to home plate to score a run during the third inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers in game three of the 2016 NLDS playoff baseball series at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Washington Nationals

If and when McCutchen is traded, the Nationals are the top contender to be his eventual landing spot. The Nats and the Buccos made a significant deal already this summer in the Mark Melancon trade. In those trade talks, McCutchen’s name was reportedly discussed heavily, but terms could not be worked out at the time. With the center fielder being so aggressively shopped now, it is only logical that the Pirates and Nationals pick things up where they left off.

The Nationals have been in the market for a new center fielder since last offseason, and their pursuit of Justin Upton, Jason Heyward, and Yoenis Cespedes came up short. Ben Revere was a stopgap measure in center this season, but struggled mightily. Rookie phenom Trea Turner left his natural position, shortstop, to play outfield at times down the stretch.

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Washington easily has the prospects to get this trade done. Pittsburgh can take its pick of outfielder Victor Robles or starting pitchers Reynaldo Lopez and Erick Fedde. Turner and top prospect Lucas Giolito would not be needed to make this trade work, which would still leave the Nationals with enough firepower to make a run at Chris Sale if they want to. The Nats might have to weaken their farm system slightly to pull off a trade for McCutchen, but its long-term health still looks good with plenty of talented prospects.

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