Pittsburgh Pirates trade rumors: Pirates may be shopping star veteran McCutchen

Despite being one of the bigger names in Major League Baseball, Andrew McCutchen's future with the Pittsburgh Pirates is in doubt.

Looking at his credentials, it would be impossible to think that a franchise would be willing to let go of a five-time All-Star who was also the 2013 National League Most Valuable Player.

However, that seems to be the case as various reports have linked the outfielder to a move away from his current team.

Arriving in 2009, McCutchen has spent his entire career with the Pirates and is one of the most popular names in the team.

Unfortunately, he is now nearing 30 years of age and it appears that the Pirates are now looking at a younger roster to help the team move forward.

Fan Sided also reported that McCutchen is rumored to move away from the Pirates as the franchise tries to get the most out of the player before he goes past his prime.

Furthermore, McCutchen has a contract that expires after the next season, with the Pirates having an option to pay him $14.75 million in 2018. If the Pirates are trying to avoid paying McCutchen this amount of money, then this would be the perfect time to find a suitable replacement and shop him elsewhere.

With a name like McCutchen being shopped around, it is automatic for teams to vie for his signature if the move happens.

Inquisitr reported that the Seattle Mariners may be a suitable destination for the outfielder as the franchise is in need for someone to fill that position.

Outside his obvious credentials, having a big name in the franchise also helps the team in terms of marketing and pulling in new fans.

If this pushes through, it may also help McCutchen return to his former glory and he can show the Pirates what they are missing out on if they decide to send him away.