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Report: Nationals believe Pirates asking too much for McCutchen

Norm Hall / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Maybe Andrew McCutchen shouldn't go looking for homes in the D.C. area just yet.

The Washington Nationals, who have apparently been chasing the former NL MVP leading into this week's Winter Meetings, now reportedly believe the Pittsburgh Pirates' asking price for McCutchen is too high and have backed off their pursuit, according to Joel Sherman of the New York Post.

The report of the Nationals balking at the supposed cost to acquire McCutchen comes just days after speculation that the Nats and Pirates were closing in on a deal. That supposed transaction never came to fruition, however, and McCutchen remains a member of the Steel City squad for the time being.

Sherman added that Washington is now turning its attention to other potential opportunities - among them, the chance to acquire Chris Sale, another star connected to the team, from the Chicago White Sox. There's been speculation that Washington could be trying to acquire both Sale and McCutchen in a bold attempt to win it all in the next two seasons, given that Bryce Harper's free agency - and the growing possibility of his leaving the club at that time - is now just two years away.

McCutchen, who's spent his entire career in Pittsburgh, is coming off the worst season of his career in which he hit just .256/.336/.430 with 24 home runs. Despite his declining numbers, the Pirates are reportedly only willing to move the 30-year-old if their asking price is met.

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