Pittsburgh Pirates Rumors: Andrew McCutchen Update Day 3

The Winter Meetings are wrapping up and it seems that the Pittsburgh Pirates will not be making a deal involving Andrew McCutchen.  Here is an update on the rumors:

Earlier today the Washington Nationals completed a blockbuster deal with the Chicago White Sox.  The White Sox received three of the Nationals top four pitching prospects.  This package includes  top five prospect Lucas Giolito, top 40 prospect Reynaldo Lopez, and 2-16 first round pick Dane Dunning.  The prospects ranking respectably #1, #3, and #6 in the Nationals organization.

Many fans thought the Bucs would get a similar deal from the Nationals if a deal were to happen.  With that being said, there were not clear signs pointing to any real momentum between the Pittsburgh Pirates and Nationals.  Yes, it was confirmed that the two sides had ongoing discussions for over the last week regarding the super star, but no one knows what was made of those talks.  There was a lot of speculation of names and even some Washington Post writers confirming some of the names over the last few days.

However, there was not confirmation of a deal in the actual works. Until tonight.  Two of baseball’s best insiders had numerous tweets summarizing the talks between the two sides.  First was Jon Heyman breaking what he found out and what the Pittsburgh plans are for Cutch as of now.  Here are two tweets from the insider:

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"“Pirates had possible deal on table of giolito, dunning and 3rd for cutch. Didn’t happen.”“McCutchen will be at pirates fest Saturday. Expectation is to keep him. They’ll discuss possible move to rf or lf.”"

Also confirming Jon Heyman’s report was New York Post Baseball insider Joel Sherman.  Sherman reiterates what Jon Heyman had to say, but also adds a little more insight on how close a deal may have been.  Sherman tweets:

"“#Pirates believed Tues nite were on brink of dealing McCutchen to #Nationals for Giolito and Dunning”“#Pirates people were surprised when deal to #Nats didn’t go thru. Now McCutchen staying, likely moving to corner OF.”“McCutchen is expected at #Pirates Fanfest this weekend”"

Next: Let Us Trade Watson Instead!

So as of now it sounds like Andrew McCutchen is staying in Pittsburgh.  Baring any last minute, impressive offers, Cutch will be manning a corner outfield spot at PNC for at least the start of the 2017 season.  All along we here at Rum Bunter have had mixed feelings about the rumors.  IF the return was right and the Bucs were able to fill specific needs then the deal would have been fine.  Yet, it will also be nice seeing Cutch in Black and Gold and coming back with a chip on his shoulder as he looks to rebound this upcoming season.