The Pittsburgh Pirates continue to explore trade scenarios involving Andrew McCutchen.

McCutchen is coming off his worst offensive season and a below-average one defensively, according to the advanced metrics. 

McCutchen is signed for $14 million in 2017 with a $14.5 million club option for 2018.

The Washington Nationals remain interested in McCutchen while the Texas Rangers are another potential trade partner.

Dexter Fowler, Ian Desmond and Carlos Gomez are the most prominent center fielders available in free agency.

The Pirates could re-allocate payroll to other areas while also enabling them to move Starling Marte from left to center.

Jeff Passan echoed Ken Rosenthal's report.

Sources: Likelihood Andrew McCutchen plays in Pittsburgh in 2017 is dwindling. As @Ken_Rosenthal said, Pirates almost certain to move him.

— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) November 30, 2016

The Seattle Mariners have traded former first-round pick Alex Jackson to the Atlanta Braves for Rob Whalen.

Seattle also acquired Max Povse and will send a player to be named later to Atlanta.

Jackson, 20, was the sixth pick in the 2014 amateur draft.

Ryan Braun isn't sure if he'll be with the Milwaukee Brewers when spring training begins.

"Not knowing 100 percent where [I'll] be playing is hard. It definitely complicates things," Braun said. "Obviously, things come up. It's a part of the business. It's a part of the profession. If something were to happen, we'd figure it out when we get there."

Braun has a limited no-trade provision but would have the ability to block any swap starting in late May, when he becomes a 10-year veteran who has spent his past five seasons with his current team.

"I get asked about it regularly," David Stearns said of a possible trade. "I know that's a big story this offseason, but I'm very happy that Ryan is a member of the Milwaukee Brewers. I expect him to be a member of the Milwaukee Brewers going forward. I'm happy that he's here at the event today."

The Seattle Mariners have acquired Jean Segura from the Arizona Diamondbacks in exchange for Taijuan Walker.

Seattle also received outfielder Mitch Haniger and left-hander Zac Curtis, while Arizona landed shortstop Ketel Marte.

"Segura was one of the premier offensive players in the majors last season," Jerry Dipoto said. "His combination of average, power and speed is extremely difficult to find, especially at a position like shortstop and at the top of our lineup.

"We believe pairing him with Robinson Cano gives us tremendous offensive potential in the middle of our infield."

Contrary to reports issued on Saturday, the Giants have not internally discussed reacquiring third baseman Pablo Sandoval, who has struggled with the Red Sox since leaving San Francisco.

Club executives are prohibited from publicly discussing the potential acquisition of players under contract with another team. Thus, Giants GM Bobby Evans had little to say about a Boston Herald report citing a "baseball source" who claimed that San Francisco had contemplated bringing back Sandoval.

"I am not aware of any consideration of a reunion," Evans said, "but we'll never forget all that he meant to the Giants organization."

The Detroit Tigers want to shed salary, but have placed high asking prices on a number of their expensive, veteran players.

Rival executives wonder whether the Tigers will trade anyone other than J.D. Martinez this offseason given how much they want for rumored options like Ian Kinsler, Justin Verlander and Miguel Cabrera.

Brian Dozier is drawing interest from other teams, but the Minnesota Twins aren't looking to package Phil Hughes in a potential trade, according to a report.

Hughes has three years and $39.6 million left on the contract he signed prior to the 2015 season.

The Seattle Mariners inquired with the Pittsburgh Pirates about Andrew McCutchen earlier this offseason, but the talks "did not advance."

McCutchen, 30, is coming off the worst season of his Major League career. He hit .256/.336/.430 with 24 home runs and 79 RBIs and is owed $14 million in 2017 and has a team option of $14.75 million in 2018, with a $1 million buyout.

It was reported earlier this month that the Washington Nationals have also called about McCutchen.

The Atlanta Braves continue to pursue a trade with the Chicago White Sox for Chris Sale.

Even after signing Bartolo Colon and R.A. Dickey to one-year deals, the Braves remain focused on adding another starter.

Sale is under contract for a total of $38 million for three more years including two options years.

The Braves have also inquired about Chris Archer and Sonny Gray, but their focus is on Sale, according to a source.

The New York Yankees have traded Brian McCann to the Houston Astros for prospects Albert Abreu and Jorge Guzman.

Houston is expected to have McCann and Evan Gattis split duties at catcher.

New York will reportedly send some cash to the Astros along with McCann.