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MLB Trade Rumors: 5 players Nationals should acquire

By Nicholas Ian Allen

Apr 29, 2017; Detroit, MI, USA; Chicago White Sox relief pitcher David Robertson (30) reacts to defeating the Detroit Tigers in the tenth inning at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 29, 2017; Detroit, MI, USA; Chicago White Sox relief pitcher David Robertson (30) reacts to defeating the Detroit Tigers in the tenth inning at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /
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May 17, 2017; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates center fielder Andrew McCutchen (22) hits a two run RBI single against the Washington Nationals during the seventh inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
May 17, 2017; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates center fielder Andrew McCutchen (22) hits a two run RBI single against the Washington Nationals during the seventh inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Andrew McCutchen, OF, Pirates

The Nationals aren’t afraid to add a big name to the mix. Remember, over the winter, Washington was very much in the mix to trade for Chris Sale before the Red Sox were able to strike a deal for the left-handed ace. The Nats were also rumored to be interested in Andrew McCutchen, and though Washington landed Adam Eaton instead, the Pirates star could still be an option this summer.

After four straight top-five finishes in the NL MVP race, including the 2013 season in which he took home the hardware, McCutchen struggled last season. The five-time All-Star posted career lows in each slash category, hitting .256/.336/.430. McCutchen hit 24 home runs, but posted his wOBA (.329) and wRC+ (106) ever and his worst ISO (.174) since 2011. He also struck out in a career high 21.2 percent of his plated appearances.

Unfortunately, things haven’t gotten much better. In 43 games this season, McCutchen is hitting .211/285/.379 with six homers. He has 34 hits and 33 strikeouts.

Given his sudden plunge in production, would the Nationals even want McCutchen? Michael Taylor has filled in well for Eaton thus far, hitting .266/.300/.426 overall in 32 games, but an even better .315/.351/.521 in 19 games since April 29. Taylor is also an above average defender in center field, while McCutchen is only serviceable.

But, despite Taylor’s strong showing of late, McCutchen could still be a trade target. Cutch was once one of the best overall players in baseball, and a change of scenery could help him regain something similar to that form. The Bucs might also be willing to add closer Tony Watson to the deal.

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