The Giants still have interest in trading for former NL MVP Andrew McCutchen, and trade talks resumed this week, according to a report by Jon Morosi of MLB Network.
Source: #SFGiants and #Pirates have had recent Andrew McCutchen trade conversations. Story here: https://t.co/yKyDV5tqBA @MLBNetwork @MLB
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) January 4, 2018
Despite the ongoing conversations, Morosi says “multiple barriers remain,” including the fact that the Pirates want one of the Giants’ top prospects in return for the outfielder, while San Francisco is trying to preserve the top of their farm system after trading third baseman Christian Arroyo and a package of players to the Rays in exchange for Evan Longoria.
“Outfielder/first baseman Chris Shaw, right-hander Tyler Beede and outfielder Heliot Ramos are the Giants’ top three prospects, per MLB Pipeline. One source said the Pirates are asking for at least one of those three in any McCutchen trade with San Francisco.”
McCutchen, 31, could fill the void the Giants currently have in one of their two open outfield positions, as Hunter Pence is currently the only everyday outfielder on the roster. Additionally, McCutchen would provide the Giants, who finished last in the majors with 128 home runs, with some much needed pop. McCutchen hit 28 bombs in 2017 while also posting an impressive slash-line of .279/.363/.486. McCutchen’s .849 OPS last season would’ve been the second highest on the Giants’ behind Buster Posey.
McCutchen is due $14.5 million next season before becoming an unrestricted free agent. Drafted by the Pirates in the first round in 2005, McCutchen has spent his entire nine-year major league career in Pittsburgh, making the All-Star team five times and winning a Gold Glove in 2012, in addition to winning the aformentioned MVP honors in 2013.