Report: Pirates' McCutchen, Harrison 'not in play' in trade market

Both Andrew McCutchen and Josh Harrison look set to be in black and gold through the deadline.

While the Pittsburgh Pirates are said to be approaching the deadline with both a buying and selling mentality, the club has reportedly ruled that McCuthen and Harrison are both "not in play" in the warming trade market, according to FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal.

He does note, however, that the Pirates are willing to listen on "complementary pieces," citing relievers Tony Watson and Juan Nicasio, as well as infielders David Freese and John Jaso, as players Pittsburgh is ready to deal before July 31.

Rosenthal's report corroborates another from Friday from MLB.com's Jon Morosi that stated the Pirates weren't expected to trade McCutchen before the deadline, though Pittsburgh's reluctance to part with Harrison is new. The utility man was reported to be one of six infielders the Boston Red Sox were scouting - possibly to fill in at third base - though he seems unlikely to move now.

In the midst of a comeback season, McCutchen has completely erased the memories of a miserable 2016 campaign and rejuvenated his career. The center fielder is slashing .294/.383/.509 with 17 home runs in 94 games in 2017, a stark contrast to his .256/.336/.430 slash line last season.

Harrison, meanwhile, is having one of his best seasons ever. Batting .276/.353/.432, the 30-year-old's .785 OPS is eclipsed only by his .837 mark in 2014. He also has the unlucky honor of being the most plunked man in baseball this season, having been hit by pitches on 20 occasions.