Pittsburgh Pirates Rumors: Andrew McCutchen Deal Could Be Concluding

The Pittsburgh Pirates and the Washington Nationals have advanced deep into trade talks regarding Pirates center fielder Andrew McCutchen.  A deal seems to be close, as the rumors have picked up over the last 12 hours or so.

Over the last 24 hours it has been widely reported that the Washington Nationals and the Pittsburgh Pirates have been in advanced trade talks.

According to multiple reports, trade talks have centered around Pittsburgh Pirates center fielder Andrew McCutchen and Washington Nationals top prospect Victor Robles.  The news was really picking up early this afternoon when Jayson Stark, of ESPN, reported that talks were being “accelerated”.

Then Rob Biertempfel confirmed the report when he tweeted the following:

“Source confirms what @jaysonst reported: #Pirates and #Nationals are exploring McCutchen trade. Nats prefer it done sooner than later.”

With that, everyone has been on edge expecting a deal to go down at any moment.  Then, as the night has continued on, there has been less and less information regarding the potential deal.  This has left many people wondering where the talks currently stand between the two sides.  However, moments ago, a source from a rival team shared some information with Rum Bunter.  The source confirmed that a deal could be finalized as soon as tomorrow afternoon.  Here is what was shared with Rum Bunter:

“All around pretty crazy day for the Bucs.  Here is what I understand.  The Pirates and Nationals had advanced talks today.  In fact talks progressed so much that the belief around the industry is a tentative deal is in place.  Teams could finish deal tomorrow as they work through minor details.  One detail that remains is a possible third prospect.  Sounds like to me they agreed on a list of players and the Bucs are considering options over night.Nationals want to get deal done by tomorrow night’s deadline.  Also, if the Bucs truly do feel a deal is in hand they are talking to other teams and seeing if the interested teams have final offers to match or better the Nats.  Sounds like to me a deal very well could take place as early as tomorrow afternoon.”More from Rum BunterPittsburgh Pirates Prospect Stockwatch: Outfielder Tres GonzalezPittsburgh Pirates Podcast: Rum Bunter Radio Talks Winter Meetings FalloutPittsburgh Pirates: Potential Leadoff Hitters in 2023Pittsburgh Pirates: The Rotation is not being ImprovedPittsburgh Pirates Make Vince Velasquez Signing Official

With that, our source has been very reliable over the last few years.  If his information is accurate, it sounds like many of our questions will be answered soon.  A couple thoughts on what he said.  First, it has been reported from numerous Washington National writers that a third piece is in play.  On that note, if the Pirates and Nationals agreed on a list of players in regards to a third player involved then that is why talks have slowed down.  The Pittsburgh Pirates will need to do their homework on each player, on said list, before making a decision.  Hence why he said that talks could conclude as early as tomorrow afternoon.  Why tomorrow afternoon?

As others have reported, including Ken Rosenthal, the Nationals want a deal done before tomorrow night’s 8 PM non-tender deadline.  The reason is because if the Nationals and Pirates complete the deal, the Nationals will move Trea Turner back to his natural position of shortstop. In turn, the Nationals would then designate Danny Espinosa for assignment before the 8 PM deadline.

Related Story: Trade Target: Tanner Roark

Conclusion

Later tonight, Rum Bunter will have a post on some of the players the Pittsburgh Pirates are reportedly targeting in trade talks.  With that, give it a read to learn about some of the potential players that could be coming here in a deal.  This should be interesting to see how it all plays out over the coming hours. The Hot Stove is burning!

*Disclaimer: For obvious reasons I cannot release the sources name or position inside of baseball.  He has given tidbits of information in the past that have proven reliable on most occasions.  However, not everything said is guaranteed to happen! Just passing along information that was given to him.*