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Report: Pirates, Nationals still working on McCutchen trade

Matt Kartozian / USA TODAY Sports

Despite not getting a deal done before the non-tender deadline on Friday, the Washington Nationals and Pittsburgh Pirates are reportedly still working on a lot of different angles regarding an Andrew McCutchen deal, one source told Jim Bowden of ESPN.

The two sides have been in discussions this week and it was believed the Nationals had hoped to get a deal done prior to the 8 p.m. ET deadline so that they wouldn't have to tender a contract to shortstop Danny Espinosa. The deadline passed, however, without a trade and Espinosa was tendered a contract. Backup outfielder Ben Revere was not tendered a contract, however, and is now a free agent.

McCutchen is coming off the worst season of his eight-year career, but is still just three years removed from winning the NL MVP, and has finished in the top five in voting for the award in all but one of the last five seasons.

It was reported Thursday that the Pirates were targeting minor-league outfielder Victor Robles as part of the return. The 19-year-old is the No. 2 prospect in the Nationals' system behind right-hander Lucas Giolito.

The Pirates' asking price for McCutchen is expected to be high - understandable considering he's a franchise icon and is owed a team-friendly $14 million in 2017, with a $14.75-million team option for the following season.

Adding McCutchen would allow the Nationals to move Trea Turner back to his natural position of shortstop, while further cementing the team as favorites in the National League East.

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