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Report: Pirates continue to explore deals for McCutchen

Doug Pensinger / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Andrew McCutchen has been the face of the Pirates for close to a decade, owns a National League MVP award, and was once considered among the best players in baseball - but it appears he isn't part of Pittsburgh's future.

The Pirates continue exploring deals for the 30-year-old outfielder, according to major-league sources of FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal.

The team has also reportedly been aggressive in pursuing trades for the former NL MVP by apparently offering him to teams around the league, rather than fielding exploratory calls from interested parties, according to Jeff Passan of Yahoo Sports, citing sources.

One team showing serious interest is the Washington Nationals, who discussed acquiring McCutchen before last season's non-waiver trade deadline, according to Rosenthal's sources, while the Texas Rangers remain a potential trade partner, too.

Rosenthal cited sources who said the Pirates are seeking significant young talent in any trade for McCutchen, who experienced a down year in 2016, posting a career-low .766 OPS across 153 games.

If the Pirates do trade the superstar, they could then allocate funds toward other areas of need, while shifting Starling Marte to center field.

McCutchen, who's played all but five games of his career in center field, isn't interested in moving to a corner outfield spot, according to Rosenthal's sources.

The five-time All-Star is owed $14 million in 2017, and has a 2018 team option attached to his contract valued at $14.75 million, with a $1 million buyout.

During eight big-league seasons, McCutchen owns a career slash line of .292/.381/.487, with 175 home runs, 262 doubles, 637 RBIs, and 160 stolen bases.

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