Pirates' McCutchen uncertain about his future

Oct 1, 2017 - 6:59 PM WASHINGTON -- Andrew McCutchen was batting third and playing center field for the Pittsburgh Pirates on Sunday in what could be his last game with the Pirates, who ended the season against the Washington Nationals.

McCutchen, 30, who did not play Saturday due to a sore foot, was the 11th overall pick by the Pirates out of his Florida high school in 2005. He made his big league debut with Pittsburgh in 2009 and was the National League MVP in 2013.

The right-handed hitter was the subject of trade rumors last winter and that could happen again this offseason.

"It will be up to them," McCutchen said Sunday of the Pirates. "I give the same generic answer: It is out of my control. That it is honestly how I take it. Everything is out of my control. I don't have a no-trade clause. It is not in my contract."

He said trade talks this winter would not be a surprise.

"I really didn't expect it last season," he said.

The five-tool player and All-Star noted the Winter Meetings are in early December, when he is expected to become a father.

"I am probably not going to pay attention to that," he said of the Winter Meetings, while smiling. "I will have too much on my plate with the baby."

McCutchen proposed to his wife, Maria, on the Ellen Show in December, 2013.

Pirates general manager Neal Huntington said Sunday no decision has been made on McCutchen.

McCutchen's six-year contract expires after this season, with a club option for the 2018 season.

Huntington also added that if the Pirates do keep the veteran it will be as a center fielder, for the most part.

McCutchen started 139 games in center and 13 in right this year.

Are the Pirates at a better place going into the off-season than they were a year ago this time?

"Tough question to answer considering we had a lot of movement this year," he said before Sunday's game. "If you look at the record I don't know if we are a better place."

The Pirates were 74-87 going into the season finale and McCutchen was hitting .279 with 28 homers and 88 RBIs after a slow start. The Pirates were 78-83 last year.