Discussions involving Andrew McCutchen are starting to heat up again.

The Pirates have had recent contact with the Giants regarding a deal that would send the outfielder to the west coast.

The report noted that a deal is still not forthcoming and "multiple barriers remain" before negotiations can be finalized.

San Francisco's front office was rumored to be considering McCutchen as a possible target if the team was unable to acquire former Mariners slugger Giancarlo Stanton, who was eventually traded to the Yankees last month.

McCutchen's name has frequently come up in trade rumors over the past two years, but the Pirates opted to pick up his 2018 contract option in November.

Although his numbers have been on the decline, McCutchen's power has remained consistent. The former NL MVP has hit at least 20 home runs in seven straight seasons, and he hit 28 home runs with 88 RBIs in 2017.