Pirates now expected to keep Andrew McCutchen
There was a lot of buzz about the Pittsburgh Pirates possibly trading Andrew McCutchen, but now the word is that the team may keep the former MVP.
A report recently said the Nats and Pirates had discussed a McCutchen trade during the season, and the talks resurfaced at the Winter Meetings. But the Nats instead decided to trade for White Sox outfielder Adam Eaton, meaning they likely are no longer pursuing McCutchen. Moreover, many of the pieces they were offering Pittsburgh for the center fielder were sent to Chicago for Eaton.
MLB Network’s Jon Heyman says Washington was offering Lucas Giolito, Dane Dunning and a third player for McCutchen.
Pirates had possible deal on table of giolito, dunning and 3rd for cutch. Didn't happen.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) December 8, 2016
They ended up trading Giolito and Dunning to the White Sox in their package for Eaton.
Heyman reports that the Pirates may move McCutchen from center field after the outfielder struggled there last season, according to defensive metrics.
McCutchen will be at pirates fest Saturday. Expectation is to keep him. They'll discuss possible move to rf or lf.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) December 8, 2016
Another team interested in McCutchen was Texas, but the Rangers re-signed Carlos Gomez. With the trade market for him seemingly disappearing, it makes sense for Pittsburgh to hang on to their franchise player. They sure could do a lot worse than paying $14 million for a career .292 hitter who averages around 25 homers per season.
