The Rangers have reached out to the Pirates about a potential Andrew McCutchen trade, tweets Jon Morosi of MLB.com, but the Bucs aren’t open to such scenarios at this time. As Morosi observes, the Rangers have a deep lineup but have received poor production from the designated hitter spot in the order. The veteran McCutchen, hitting .271/.394/.431 with nine homers and nine steals on the season, would clearly represent a boost.
That said, there are plenty of reasons to be skeptical of a potential McCutchen trade coming together. Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette wrote at the time of McCutchen’s reunion in with the Pirates that the franchise icon returned to Pittsburgh with the intent of finishing out his career there; the Pirates didn’t make the signing with the intent of flipping him at the deadline, and Mackey reported in January that the two parties even discussed McCutchen’s desire to stay put in Pittsburgh while negotiating the deal. McCutchen told Mackey exactly one month ago that he wants to win in Pittsburgh and is not interest in playing elsewhere. “I don’t want to continue my career on another team,” McCutchen said on May 26.
It’s certainly possible that if the Pirates are buried in the standings as the deadline looms, McCutchen could have a change of heart and inform the front office he’d like to be moved to a contender. That seems unlikely based on his recent comments, however. And, even after their recent freefall, the Pirates are only five and a half games back in a dismal NL Central division.
That relative proximity to contending in the division matters, too. It was barely more than a week ago that Pirates president Travis Williams publicly indicated that the team’s hope was to return to the postseason as soon as this year. If the Bucs find themselves with a shot at doing so in the run-up to the trade deadline, Williams noted that GM Ben Cherington would have ownership support to add pieces, even if it meant further boosting the payroll. The Pirates weren’t quite so far into their staggering 1-12 swoon at that point, but again, the feeble context of their division could yet leave them with a realistic chance at a playoff berth — particularly with more than a month until the deadline.
All of that context notwithstanding, it’s at least of some note that the Rangers are perusing the market for potential upgrades. Interest in McCutchen is only logical for them. He’s an accomplished veteran hitter who’s well liked and who has played under current skipper Bruce Bochy. It stands to reason that Bochy enjoyed having McCutchen in the lineup and in the clubhouse during the outfielder’s brief time with the Giants.
Further, as Morosi rightly points out, the Rangers simply haven’t gotten much out of the DH spot in the lineup this year. Texas designated hitters are batting .223/.313/.377 on the season. The resulting 94 wRC+ ranks 19th in the Majors. That production (or lack thereof) has come from a combination of 10 players. Robbie Grossman leads the Rangers with 88 plate appearances as their DH, and he’s hit extremely well in that time. Grossman, though, is also seeing regular time in the outfield. The Rangers have cycled him, Brad Miller, Mitch Garver, Ezequiel Duran, Corey Seager, Jonah Heim, Adolis Garcia, Josh H. Smith and Sam Huff through the DH spot this year, ostensibly using it more as a means of affording occasional rest to regulars rather than dedicating one slugger to the position.
Acquiring any other full-time DH would mark a departure from that strategy. McCutchen is just one of several options to fill that role — seemingly not even a likely one — and since it’s the DH spot in question, the position of a potential trade target could be largely immaterial.
Broadly speaking, it’s still early in the summer for trades of significance to come together. Modern front offices tend to wait until the final few days before the deadline to act with much aggression, and the expansion of the playoff field seems like it’ll only further fuel that trait. Only three teams in baseball currently find themselves facing a deficit of nine games or greater in the postseason hunt: the Royals, A’s and Rockies. And while those teams surely know the direction they’ll take at the deadline, even they might prefer to wait and see if there are more motivated buyers at the deadline. Many teams — the Pirates included — are currently on the fence about their deadline trajectory but might be more willing to part with young talent closer to Aug. 1.
As long as the Cardinals are around, the Pirates won’t be “buried” in the standings.
Nah nah nah nah nah
That’s not happening
McCutchen is not getting traded on his pirates farewell tour… nah…
Trade Cutch, and then bring him back for a true goodbye tour next year
the guy obviously ain’t done yet
You can’t get sentimental when running a team. If the Bucs can get anything for the future in return, trade Cutch.
Cutch approached Pirates owner about returning this year, it would be hard pressed to trade him
Pirates bats have slumped most of the past 2 months. Cards could easily pass them. Pirates look like sellers.
I agree. they’ve fallen off a cliff
I think if Cruz doesn’t break his ankle, they’d still be contending
vince Velasquez was looking like a potential All-star before Tommy John
some tough breaks injury-wise , but think they have a core that can put it all together next season with Cruz, Davis, Keller becoming MLB staples.
issue is, if they put a fork in it this season, they really don’t have any vet assets to trade off.
Cutch and Santana are both guys who could fetch a lotto ticket .. but wouldn’t mind both coming back again after in ’24
The Pirates have done what the ‘experts’ thought the Orioles would do. Start hot, then crash and burn.
Right now there isn’t many sellers and many of them sold last year so not a ton to sell. Rich Hill has been good. Any year a team would want him as 5th starter but this year he would start a few playoff games for some teams. He should get more than he should. Santana has been fantastic at 1b. But his bat is just average. Would need a bidding war between 2 teams that need a 1b to get anything interesting. If Cutch is willing he would get something interesting. Not top 100 guys more than loto. Maybe someone offers enough on a non rental. I love seeing fans cry so rooting for Bednar trade. Would be heck of a return.
Velazquez should have been the death blow but it’s the bats. Cruz would help but is only 1 man.
Pirates aren’t this bad on paper. I hope they don’t get hot. If they buy who’s to say they don’t slump again? Besides April they have only been good for a little strech in early June.
Watching this team game in and game out, I think you’re either overly optimistic about what they could have done with Cruz or have a keen sense about how pathetic the NL Central is, Goku
They do have a core here, though. Unless there is some real help on the farm that can make drastic strides, it’s hard to see them competing seriously for a couple years
I certainly lean more towards NL Central being weak, to clarify.
I’m looking at vince and cruz combining for around 5 more wins which would put them at 40-37
Not happening.
pirates will unload any contract ever
thank you for your professional opinion Nostradamus
My name is Retired but thanks.
I wasn’t responding to you, retired
Sorry my bad……
no apologies necessary
you must have a short memory
they’ve traded Cutch once before
They traded Cutch before to dump his contract
Cutch is a good dude and I wish him well. Miss him on the Yanks. Consummate professional
He’s my favorite player to root for.
he really is awesome guy
This would be a surefire way to piss off Pirates fans, and not much else. He’s not going to command a high level prospect, why wouldn’t they just let him play and be the clubhouse leader for the run at the playoffs?
Cutch is really the only legitimate MLB player the Pirates have, outside of Reynolds. The guy lives here and unless I’m wrong, has a no trade clause in place so as to retire here
Hey Texas, CJ Cron is coming back from injury. Just saying.
CJ Cron to the Rangers if he hits well after coming off the IL (which is supposed to be soon).
He hasn’t really hit well this year.
True; the hope is that he’ll be back to an above average hitter if fully healthy. Enough time before the deadline to see if things turn out that way.
He hit very well in the first week of the year. He was named NL player of the week. It was basically all downhill after that though.
Apparently Reynolds has had a nagging back problem for a while now which put him on the IL last week
And Hayes is now going through the same with his back
They have Nate Lowe at 1B who has played fairly well. A 4th OF is probably their only even somewhat needed piece offensively. Grossman has currently been filling that role. They would probably b best suited with a defense first OF for that 4th spot as their lineup is anything but hurting for run production.
It’s the Rockies though. Just because you should trade someone doesn’t mean they will.
McCutchen needs to retire as a Pirate.
He could play for the Rangers, then when he decides he’s had enough, he could sign a one game, or one AB contract with Pittsburgh so he can retire as a Pirate. Happens a lot.
Pretty much guaranteed he retires as a Pirate unless they really piss him off or something crazy.
He has already spoke of wanting to sign for longer with Pirates. I could see a scenario where he wants to b traded for remainder of season to a contender, with a gentleman’s agreement they ll resign him in offseason. Especially if their spiral continues. They re 1-9 in last 10 games and have to now deal with a scorching Reds team.
I could also see a scenario where he is absolutely content with where he is at. Which very well could b the case.
Dump Martin Perez and a bad prospect for McCutchen!
Perez has had 3 bad starts all season. You could do a lot worse
For sure, but you could certainly do a lot better for a team regularly in the top 2 in these biased power rankings. BP help > Outfield help > Starting help. Besides, even his “good” starts have come with bad peripherals. He walks too many, hardly strikes anyone out, gives up too many meatballs on 0-2, and lives inning by inning with double play balls. That is not a 20 MM pitcher. Maybe 1 MM at most
To me this is 100% up to McCutchen. If the Pirates continue their current winning % of the last 2 months they WILL be out of the running come trading deadline. Then it is a question of whether Cutch wants a post season run elsewhere after which he can easily return to the Pirates next year which at this point seems very assumed whether he is traded or stays with the Pirates. I don’t think Pirate fans would ‘lose their minds’ if they know it was Cutch’s wish and would be ready to embrace him come 2024. Now of course if it comes to that, Pirates do need to get as much back as they can. which may be hard if it is a one destination bidding war. (ie. there may be others interested in his services) and if more than one destination it still has to be acceptable to Cutch or this blows up on the Pirates completely.
Cutch wants to both retire as a Pirate and win here whether it’s this season or next
He called owner Bob Nutting over the winter and offered to return to Pittsburgh even saying he’d take a huge pay cut
So any belief that it was the Bucs that pursued him is pure fiction
On top of that, the Pirates and McCutchen have a “handshake” ntc. To me, the Pirates aren’t moving Cutch unless he asks to be traded, or the Pirates are offered something outrageous (like Josh Jung), both scenarios are extremely unlikely.
@MLB I think you are spot on. The Pirates would have to get a highly touted prospect to entertain such an offer.
Slightly confused with your response to my comment TheMan3 – may be my brain. But I think you are agreeing with me, but not sure where I implied at all the Pirates pursued Cutch. On the contrary which is why I think this is 100% up to Cutch. If he doesn’t want traded he won’t be, if the Pirates continue their current course, then he will likely have an easy conclusion that any contention as a Pirate will be next year and he will be gladly welcomed back… if that is what HE wants.
I wasn’t responding directly to you, SouthernBuc, my comment was for general discussion
Pirates trading Cutch regardless of his desires spells PR doom, but if cutch requests it, I would be a little less up set.
Even if it makes sense getting a great overpay and Cutch signing off on it… I doubt the average person who watches baseball would be remotely pleased and blame Nutting for dumping salary.
I doubt Nutting would sign off on it this time.
Nutting deserves the heat he gets but lets also be real at this point he is blamed for a rainy day or a day that is too sunny and hot. so at this point I don’t think how he is perceived plays into this at all.
I disagree (per my comment) that it is PR doom. Take my comment literally which means Cutch publicly states he wants this. He is revered (rightfully so) and I think the majority of fans will get it especially when he is signed to return the day after the World Series is over.
Nutting deserves whatever criticism thrown in his direction, weather related notwithstanding
He’s cheap and unliked for good reasons
Since Bob became the Chairman his biggest mistake was letting NH continue to squander resources. Much of what people say does not have context or just BS,
Still, he is at the top and ultimately responsible for the franchise
You really think Nutting cares what fans think?
i think Nutting cares about the number of people in the stands at PNC Park
every time Cutch’s name is announced at home games, he gets a standing ovation
The only way Cutch gets traded is if he asks for one. And he ain’t. The end.
Now I do agree with this… while my rambling in other comments states the only way this happens is by Cutch making the request… I don’t see that request coming.
Pirates will inform Cutch of team choices and their plan to use him. He can think about it and talk with family. He said he doesn’t want to leave Pittsburgh but it’s fine to change mind and people do. Maybe a ring not with Pittsburgh doesn’t appeal to him. Will find out.
Dream- You are exactly right.No trade clause,not in his contract.If the Pirates get an offer like they received for Quintana last year,they ask Cutch,do you want to go to this team?If he says yes,they trade him,and sign him next year again.If no,they keep him.
Pirates management owes it both to themselves and to Cutch.
Makes no sense. DH is hardly the most pressing need for the Rangers. They need bullpen help a lot more. They should be asking the Pirates about Bednar.
Bednar has 3 years left before he’s arbitration eligible, any offer for him would have to be extreme
Teams are allowed to make more than 1 trade.
I’ll add another twist. Let’s look at this through Cutch’s eyes of wanting to contend in 2024 in Pittsburgh. He realizes additional talent helps the Pirates win in 2024. Assuming he is planning on playing in 2024, he can help set up not only him getting a chance to play in the playoffs in 2023 but also help increase the chances of he and the Pirates contending in 2024 by bringing talent to the organization by him being traded. Full conspiracy… Pirates play this to the fullest and say Cutch does not want traded so they need overwhelmed and somebody agrees to over pay.
I KNOW this is not happening… please don’t take this post too serious. But it was fun to throw out there. The end of this movie is when the player traded to the Pirates is the winning pitcher of Game 7 of the 2024 World Series and celebrates with Cutch after his game winning homerun against the Yankees – Mazeroski Take 2.
It wouldn’t be the first time a player did this, SouthernBuc. He’d essentially be a rental for the stretch run and then come home
I just don’t see that happening or this franchise competing for anything anytime soon
They’re two years away…from being two years away
Brewer fan here if you want Winkers we will gladly give him to you to be your DH!!
He could have had a nice career if he didn’t waste all that time in Pittsburgh.
I wonder if the Rangers would be interested in Pham Pham. The Mets need to sell sell sell and Pham has been one of the few good hitters in that lineup.
“Robbie Grossman leads the Rangers with 88 plate appearances as their DH, and he’s hit extremely well in that time.”
That is not the case. He hit well in April. He has been very bad since then.
If the Rangers are desperate for a DH, I recommend Dan Vogelbach. (As do most other Mets fans.)
Will need Ruf too vs lefties. And a couple pinch runners.
How about a straight up Kapler for Bochy trade? 10 game win streak is not enough to make me wish the Giants kept Bochy and got rid of Farhad and his games.
DH McCutchen
2B Semien
SS Seager
RF Garcia
3B Jung
C Heim
1B Lowe
LF Duran
CF Taveras
Dream on Rangers fans. Cutch is never wearing another jersey in an MLB game than one that says Pirates. Unless it says National League in an All-Star game that is.
City connect have Pirates on it?
Would much rather see the Rangers bring back Nelly Cruz and stick him at DH for a final goodbye of the Rangers in the postseason.
Just don’t put him in right field…
Or trade Joe Ryan
This trade makes a ton of sense. The Rangers are in position to make a playoff run for the first time in awhile and may give Cutch a shot at a ring finally. Pirates are on the upswing and getting a few prospects for him is a good move. Rangers are also going to need some help to fend off the Angels & Astros down the stretch. I like the trade for both sides here.
Cutch for single-A RHP Ricky Vanasco.. a guy with a ton of upside, who’s had a ton of set backs
maybe another piece involved, but something like that
Exactly, I don’t feel they need much but Cutch and maybe a starter would be great
There is pr and ticket sales value in keeping Cutch. Cutch legacy value as well. If Cutch doesn’t crave a ring even if it’s with another team he ain’t going anywhere. Doesn’t sound like he does but minds can change. Just a nice little click bait story. Nothing to put too much thought in about trade returns and what rangers lineup looks like with him.
I mean I’d love to see him finish it out in Pittsburgh however we know how the deadline goes
I’ve seen enough. Finally. A prospect is living up to his billing
Play Gonzalez
Mackey and McFadden are the 2 of the most pessimistic professional Pittsburgh sports writers. I’m willing to bet that neither of them believe the pirates would be stupid enough to trade Cutch, unless he wants it. It would drive away half the fans they have left. Not being able to bring him back next year is more likely, since he should hit all these career milestones this season.
I don’t read Mackey as being a pessimist. Yeah, he has come around to the reality that this is a bad team with an inept manager, but he also continually writes articles that detail help that’s on the way from the farm
Zeise’s column yesterday actually went in depth as to why if approached with a real of prospects, the Pirates should deal Cutch AND/OR Bednar. I don’t particularly agree but he made a lot of good points, namely that this team isn’t going anywhere this year. Or next
I still think it’d be a pr nightmare, unless Andrew requests it
Completely agree, and they can’t afford such a nightmare
Meanwhile, every resident of Mars, PA would picket PNC if they moved Bednar
Triolo called up and looks like Hayes is going to the DL. I would have half-expected Shelton to sit Gonzales tonight after a triple and HR last night—it’s part of his managerial genius—but now I guess he has little option
If you start a sentence with and, it doesn’t need a comma after it.
Also, too shouldn’t have a comma before it.
no one cares