More McCutchen trade news, notes on Ross, Agustin and Robles

NATIONAL HARBOR, Md. - The Nationals and Pirates continue negotiations for a potential trade of center fielder Andrew McCutchen to D.C.

Last week, right-hander Reynaldo Lopez and minor league center fielder Victor Robles appeared to be a part of the initial talks between the clubs.

Fast-forward to this week and the deal that sent Chris Sale from the White Sox to Boston. The latest is the Nationals apparently balked at an offering that included Robles and right-hander Lucas Giolito, a source with knowledge of the discussions confirmed.

One other name that has come up and might be included in these discussions is right-hander Joe Ross, the source says. The 23-year-old Ross went 7-5 in 19 starts, with a 3.43 ERA. Ross also started Game 4 of the NLDS.

The Pirates are looking for at least three players in return for the All-Star outfielder, and that package could include a mix of prospects and a player with major league experience. The Dodgers have also inquired about McCutchen.

Signifying that the Nationals developmental talent base is growing, another intriguing prospect whose name has been mentioned in trade talks at the Winter Meetings is left fielder Telmito Agustin.

The 20-year-old from the U.S. Virgin Islands has been called a Robles-type prospect. Agustin hit .265 in 72 games for low Single-A Hagerstown, with 63 hits, 35 runs, 14 stolen bases, 12 doubles, one triple, five homers and 30 RBIs.

One scout said Agustin has displayed plus-plus speed and is a plus defender, and they are waiting to see if the power will develop. They see Agustin as a player that could move quickly up the prospect charts, like Robles did this season.

* Baseball America editor in chief John Manuel revealed that Robles will be their No. 1 Nats prospect when the publication makes their top 10 list live next week.

Manuel said Robles' success in the Rookie-level Gulf Coast League at such a young age was a difference-maker and demonstrates his significant potential.

"But the guys who start in the Gulf Coast League, I know it's rookie ball, and I know there is nobody is watching, but that's competitive," Manuel said. "That matters. There's talent there. That's a big jump to come from amateur baseball straight to the GCL when you are a 16- or 17-year-old Dominican.

"That's a sign of a guy who could be a future star. Robles did that. And then a really outstanding season this year between low Class A Hagerstown and high Class A Potomac."