The Pirates were engaged in talks on Andrew McCutchen throughout the winter meetings, but after they couldn’t reach a deal with the Washington Nationals, they announced their plan to move forward with McCutchen on the team in 2017. However, Pirates General Manager Neal Huntington left the door open for a future trade, saying they’d still listen to offers, but weren’t shopping McCutchen.
Naturally, there are still teams interested, and Jerry Crasnick says the Blue Jays are one of “several clubs” with interest, especially after losing out on Edwin Encarnacion.
The #Bluejays continue to explore trade options in an effort to fill their OF void. One name they've kicked around: Andrew McCutchen.
— Jerry Crasnick (@jcrasnick) December 24, 2016
#BlueJays would have to take big bite out of farm system to land McCutchen. But he'd certainly help quell post-Edwin angst in Toronto.
— Jerry Crasnick (@jcrasnick) December 24, 2016
GM Neal Huntington recently said it was likely #Pirates would keep McCutchen. But #BlueJays are among several clubs with interest.
— Jerry Crasnick (@jcrasnick) December 24, 2016
The Blue Jays have some prospects in their system. The highlight on the pitching side is Sean Reid-Foley, a right-hander with a 92-94 MPH fastball that touches 97, and the command to be a future number two starter, according to Baseball America. They also have right-handed pitcher Connor Greene, who sits 93-97, touching 98 when his fastball is at its best, and has top of the rotation potential.
The offensive side of their system is highlighted by Vlad Guerrero Jr., who could have 30 home run potential down the line, and could play third base at the start of his career in the big leagues. BA had some high marks on him, noting that some scouts say his offense could compare to Encarnacion with more speed, and that he could arrive in the majors by age 20 (which would be 2019). There are also some interesting prospects in outfielder Anthony Alford and shortstop Richard Urena, with the latter having above-average offensive potential, and average defensive potential at shortstop.
Of course, the Pirates have been looking for MLB-ready talent for McCutchen, and the rumors involving the Nationals were mostly focused on the pitching side for the MLB-ready talent. Aaron Sanchez seems to be the only name who would qualify for the Blue Jays, but I don’t know if they’d consider parting with him.
Keep in mind that the Pirates are also trying to trade for Jose Quintana, so a prospect return could help them make that move (example: adding Urena would allow them to move either him, or Kevin Newman as part of a Quintana deal). That said, I don’t see the Pirates changing their approach with McCutchen, where they will accept less than they think he is worth just to get other deals done.