MLB rumors: Massive Cubs trade decision, McCutchen’s future, Phillies trades

Today’s MLB rumors roundup looks at a decision the Cubs have to make, the Phillies being at the center of trade calls, and Andrew McCutchen’s future.

It may not even be June yet, but the August 1st MLB trade deadline is lurking in the background, changing how we consume our daily MLB news and watch games. There is sure to be a lot that goes down between now and then, especially considering the close proximity of divisional races in both leagues.

Plus, we still have the All-Star break to come, which is sure to kick up some trade talks while front offices and agents are largely congregated in the same physical space in Seattle.

Here’s what to know about the latest MLB news and rumors today.

Andrew McCutchen wants to play another year with the Pirates

Andrew McCutchen has 15 seasons of MLB baseball nearly under his belt, but he doesn’t feel like he’s even close to hanging it up. The outfielder who started his career with the Pittsburgh Pirates and made his way back there this offseason wants to come back for at least year 16 in 2024, and he wants to do it with the Bucs.

Here’s what McCutchen told Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette (subscription may be required):

"“I’m not done. I’m not done,” McCutchen said, repeating the sentence for emphasis. “Tom Brady said he would stop playing when he [stunk]. I don’t want to put it in the same context, but when my body tells me I’ve had enough, then I’ve had enough. My body is still saying, ‘Nah, you’re good. You’re fine.’ ”"

The Tom Brady comparison is certainly a bold one (topical considering he plays for the MLB version of the Buccaneers, I suppose?), but it gets the point across. He feels fresh enough to keep going.

McCutchen has been preserved in part by a shift primarily to a designated hitter role with the Pirates. His OPS is .821 (slash of .268/.362/.459) this season, his best since 2019 with the Phillies. He’s also already stolen five bases this season, the last time he cracked 10 was in 2018.

While not close to the player he was when he went to five straight All-Star games from 2011-15, including an MVP award in that timeframe, he’s still able to contribute and is a steady veteran presence for a ballclub he has a lot of history with. Chances are him coming back will probably make sense for both sides.

Mackey said that while the team and McCutchen haven’t talked formally about a deal, it should be a “formality,” given McCutchen’s hope to return.