The Nationals and Pirates are heating up trade discussions involving outfielder Andrew McCutchen, and according to ESPN.com, they would like to have a trade completed Thursday.
McCutchen, a five-time All-Star and the 2013 NL MVP, hit just .256 with 24 home runs and 79 RBIs last season, but he's still considered one of the best center fielders in the game.
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Pittsburgh reportedly is interested in acquiring Nationals outfielder prospect Victor Robles and a starting pitching option such as Joe Ross or Reynaldo Lopez for McCutchen.
Robles, a 19-year-old center fielder out of the Dominican Republic, hit .280/.376/.423 with nine home runs and 37 stolen bases in 110 minor league games this summer. He is one of the team's best prospects.
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McCutchen's strikeout numbers have risen each of the past four years, reaching an alarming 143 last season, but he is a prime bounceback candidate and the Nationals are in need of a center fielder.
Should Washington complete this trade, Trea Turner would move to shortstop, leaving Danny Espinosa expendable.
The Nationals are also in the running for White Sox ace Chris Sale as they try to take the next step in their World Series pursuit.