The Pittsburgh Pirates might get ahead of the curve and deal star outfielder Andrew McCutchen this offseason.
Pittsburgh, third in the National League Central and well under .500 while the Chicago Cubs sit on more than 100 wins, only have so long before McCutchen can up and leave the franchise.
Rob Biertempfel of TribLive.com noted the team might try to move the centerfielder this winter:
There is a growing sense among industry insiders that the team will try to deal McCutchen before he reaches free agency in either one or two years. General manager Neal Huntington likely will quietly shop the five-time All-Star during the offseason, if only to gauge the level of interest.
Such a move would make sense for the Pirates and plenty of contenders would come calling.
McCutchen is 29 years old and smack in the middle of his prime. He had a bit of a down year with a .255/.336/.430 slash line alongside 24 home runs and 77 RBI, but it’s easy to see him getting back to his usual self in a better situation.
Under contract next season before a club option in 2018, McCutchen can likely fetch a high-upside prospect or two on the trade block. Contending teams won’t scoff at the asking price given the potential return for a guy who has belted 77 or more RBI and a minimum of 21 homers six years and counting.
For the Pirates, surrendering the biggest superstar the franchise has had in years is a tough pill to swallow, but a necessary one to jump start a rebuild.
