The focus of the corner outfield market remains on Bryce Harper, of course, but there are a few other significant players available. Regarding Harper, there’s not much in the way of news, though Joel Sherman of the New York Post looks at how he could conceivably end up falling to the Dodgers, who are said to be pursuing high-end assets. Here, though, we’ll focus in on the next-best assets on the market.
The Phillies are “showing significant interest” in Andrew McCutchen, according to Jim Salisbury of NBC Sports Philly, representing a new connection for the former superstar. Cutch is nowhere near the player he once was, but that easy characterization can tend to obscure how good he still is.
Meanwhile, the Astros are said to be in on another top corner piece. Per Jon Morosi of MLB.com, via Twitter, the Houston organization has interest in Michael Brantley. That’s a bit of a surprising match, if only because the team is still paying top dollar to another veteran lefty corner outfielder in Josh Reddick, but perhaps Brantley could also spend some time at first base to increase his versatility.
Earlier in the offseason, both McCutchen and Brantley were connected to the ’Stros — though mostly as part of a group of significant free agents. The Houston plans have remained hard to figure to this point, with the team’s intentions regarding top prospect Kyle Tucker potentially weighing in their assessment of new acquisition targets.
MLBTR predicted that both McCutchen and Brantley would secure three-year, $45MM pacts. There’s no real clarity as of yet as to whether the market will support those or greater values.
Dunno what Cutch is gonna sign for, but hes a quality player still. Seems like a 2-3 year deal waiting to happen. I’d be fine with 2/32 or something
Phillies are showing significant interest in Cutch? Uh Oh. What about their “stupid money” pursuit of Harper?
Pursuit* your school’s library should have a dictionary.
Whats with the Phillies going cheap now. Thought they were gonna get Harper and Machado like a week ago lmao.
Pitching is my guess. Phillies realize machado will be going to the yanks once they move andujar
Segura was a nice pickup.. We should have never let him go. Put all your prospects towards Kluber and then they are serious contenders
Is Kluber good with the stick? Subtract Carlos Santana and add Segura and they’re contenders though their starting pitching was one of the highlights of 2018. Still need more offense and bullpen help for SerAnthony.
Unless Machado is the prize they truly want.
I predict Phil does not get either Harper or Machado both player want to play on winners. Phil is not a winner and won’t be in 2019.
I agree
The Phils never said their “stupid money” would be thrown at Harper. They simply said that they might spend stupid money in FA. So far they’ve traded for Segura and signed McCutchen to a 3/50 deal. Not really “stupid money” but they’re taking another step towards contention.
One has absolutely nothing to do with the other. McCutchen is in addition to Harper or Machado and pitching. They are a mess with plenty of holes and lots of money.
As a Phan, seeing Cutch mentioned after hearing since the season ended about Harper seems like a major let down…I’m not dissing Andrew, it’s not what we want to see..this guy is hoping it’s just hyperbole…
UGH! The deal is done…Cutch goes to the Phillies…
It looks like the Phillies have tired of Boros games and moved on from Harper. GOOD!
Brantley makes sense for Houston. Low strikeout high contact guy like Altuve, Bregman, Yuli. Also would fit in well with clubhouse. Could play LF, RF, 1B and DH. If healthy he hits .290+ with a lot of xtra base hits.