After it appeared unlikely that Andrew McCutchen would be traded, one suitor continues to pursue the former National League MVP.
Jon Morosi of MLB.com reported Thursday morning that the Giants and Pirates remain engaged in trade discussions involving McCutchen, although a deal is not imminent.
Prior to the Winter Meetings, San Francisco was reportedly the team most interested in acquiring McCutchen. However, their interest seemed to cool following the performance of their top prospect, Steven Duggar, during the Arizona Fall League.
Duggar is expected to be ready for the major leagues at some point in 2018, and he'd present a much cheaper option. After all, the Giants reportedly want to avoid paying the luxury tax this season, and they acquired third baseman Evan Longoria, who still has five years and $87 million to go on the six-year extension he signed in 2012.
But relying on Duggar to complement a veteran lineup would be a sizable risk. With a core that includes Longoria, Buster Posey, Brandon Belt and Brandon Crawford, the Giants are still viewed as one of the more formidable lineups in Major League Baseball.
They also traded Denard Span to acquire Longoria, so the only outfielders on their 40-man roster are Hunter Pence, Gorkys Hernandez, Jarrett Parker, Austin Slater and Mac Williamson.
McCutchen, 31, will make $14.5 million in 2018 as part of his club option, and he will become a free agent next October. The Giants have reportedly expressed interest in free-agent outfielders, including Jay Bruce, but they don't seem eager to commit to someone long-term with Duggar in the organization, making McCutchen a much more attractive option.
McCutchen was excellent for stretches during 2017. After reaching the Mendoza Line in Atlanta on May 23, he rediscovered his swing. He batted .411/.505/.689 in June with six home runs, 23 RBI and only 12 strikeouts in 90 at-bats to be named National League Player of the Month. He then batted .322 with eight home runs and 19 RBI in July before struggling in August and finishing strong in September and October.
The Pirates are at least going to listen to trade offers for McCutchen to try to maximize his value. Morosi reported that they are seeking one of the Giants' top three prospects in a trade for the center fielder: outfielder Heliot Ramos, outfielder/first baseman Chris Shaw or right-handed pitcher Tyler Beede.