MLB Rumor: Andrew McCutchen Returning to Pirates. Marlins shopping starter.Twins extend Chris Paddack

Pitchers and catchers will report sooner than you think, but in the meantime, Stove’s season continues. Speaking of which, below are his MLB rumors on Friday.

Pirates reunite with McCutchen Forge

Pirates and outfielder/franchise legend Andrew McCutchen has agreed to a one-year deal pending physicals. Reported by Jason McKee. Mackie added The deal is said to be worth $5 million.

McCutchen, 36, is finishing the 2022 season with the Brewers, batting .237/.316/.384 in 134 games and hitting 17 homers in 134 games.Over the past three seasons, McCutchen has OPS+ 104 men in a total of 335 games.

The signing is especially notable because McCutchen spent the first nine seasons of his MLB career with Pittsburgh. In the process, he earned his NL MVP award, and on his other three occasions he placed in the top five in MVP voting, made five All-Star teams, won a Gold Glove, war of 40.4. On a related issue, the Pirates have enjoyed some of their best seasons over the years, and McCutchen has established himself as a franchise foundation as these teams’ beloved stars.

Pirates owner Bob Nutting has neglected his basic duties as a steward of the franchise for years, but this addition will undoubtedly revitalize the fan base.As Buster Olney points out On the other hand, McCutchen’s Pittsburgh encore could raise some notable benchmarks along the way.

McCutchen in his waning days doesn’t have much of an impact on NL Central’s Pirates, but on a fundamental level, it doesn’t matter much.

Marlins considering trading starting pitcher

It’s no secret that the Marlins are trying to deal with a chronically weak offense by trading from impressive rotation depth. Cy Young winner Sandy Alcantara is almost certainly off limits, but other Miami starters may be blocking. As John Heyman reports, Pablo Lopez, Jesus Luzaldo, Taylor Rodgers and Edward Cabrera are all viable targets for teams looking for rotation help. A tempting target, Heyman states that the Twins are already discussing him with the Marlins. Miami’s recent signing of veteran starter Johnny Cueto makes it even more likely that the incumbent will trade him one of his pieces in the rotation.

Reds add Weaver to rotation mix

The Reds signed right-hander Luke Weaver to a one-year, $2 million deal. Press MLB.comHe will compete for a spot behind the rotation behind Hunter Greene, Nick Rodro and Graham Ashcraft, also joining Luis Cessa and Justin Dunn. The Reds are Weaver’s fourth team in the past six months. He was traded by the Diamondbacks to the Royals in August, was waived by the Mariners in October, and was unbidden in November when he became an agent. Injuries have restricted him to an ineffective 101 1/3 innings for the past two years. Paul Once a top prospect who played a key role in his Goldschmidt trade, his 29-year-old Weaver offers the Reds better terms than his regular back-end starter if he can stay fit. To do.

Twins Extended Paddock

The Twins signed right-hander Chris Paddack to a three-year contract extension. The Athletic reportsThe deal is valued at $12.5 million, including an additional $2.5 million in incentives. According to the New York PostThe 27-year-old underwent Tommy John surgery for the second time in his career last May and will miss most of 2023. expected. He started his five games with a 4.03 ERA before getting injured. Minnesota acquired Paddock from the Padres just before the season opener.