THURSDAY: McCutchen will earn $10MM in 2019, $17MM in 2020, and $20MM in 2021, per Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic (via Twitter). The Phillies, then, were obviously willing to tie up more of their future payroll space on this signing, though it’s hard to gauge just what that portends for the remainder of their offseason.
WEDNESDAY: The Phillies have announced the agreement.
TUESDAY, 6:20pm: McCutchen’s option for 2022 is worth $15MM and comes with a $3MM buyout, Heyman tweets.
1:46pm: The Phillies have a deal in place with free agent outfielder Andrew McCutchen, according to Matt Gelb of The Athletic (Twitter link). The agreement is still pending a physical.
McCutchen will reportedly receive a three-year, $50MM contract that includes an option for a fourth season. Jim Salisbury of NBC Sports Philly (via Twitter), who first broke the news that the sides were in serious talks, reported the years, with Jon Heyman of Fancred reporting the guarantee and option year (Twitter links).
This contract lands above MLBTR’s predicted value for McCutchen, but falls right in line with our expectations of a three-year, $45MM pact. We had ranked Cutch just behind fellow open-market vets A.J. Pollock and Michael Brantley, each of whom remains unsigned at this stage.
For the Phillies, this is a stage-setting move that fills one need and creates quite a few new opportunities. The organization previously dealt for Jean Segura, meaning GM Matt Klentak has now slotted in new corner outfield and shortstop pieces — without moving on top free agents Bryce Harper and Manny Machado. That’s not to say that pursuit of one of those players is out of the question at this point, but the Phils are certainly also now positioned to look elsewhere if they so desire. Certainly, there’s also an argument to be made that these splashes only make it more reasonable for the club to go big on another free agent.
There are innumerable possibilities, still, for the Phils. The team could conceivably deal just about any of its preexisting outfielders. Odubel Herrera, Nick Williams, Aaron Altherr, Dylan Cozens, and Roman Quinn would all hold some degree of appeal elsewhere. Surely some of those players will remain, but the Philadelphia organization will likely seek to rearrange some other pieces to make further moves possible. In addition to several still-youthful position players, top pitching prospect Sixto Sanchez has evidently been talked about in trade chatter, per Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic (Twitter link).
What’s clear, though, is that McCutchen will step into the Philadelphia lineup on most days in 2019. He certainly represents a quality addition, even if he’s no longer the superstar that he was when he was playing with the cross-state Pirates.
Since wrapping up a forgettable 2016 campaign, McCutchen has turned in consecutive solid seasons with the bat. In 1,332 plate appearances over the past two season, he’s slashing a combined .267/.366/.455 with 48 long balls. McCutchen did lag in the power department in 2018, with a year-over-year isolated slugging drop from .207 to .169, but made up for it with a 13.9% walk rate that’s just shy of his career peak.
McCutchen won’t be an option in center for the Phils, though his long experience there could come in handy at times. After a solid debut season in right field last year, he’ll be an upgrade defensively for a club that received atrocious glovework in the outfield last year from Rhys Hoskins, who is moving back to first base. If there’s one area that McCutchen slid most notably, though, it was in the baserunning department. Once a standout, he graded at a putrid -5.0 BsR in 2018. Of course, he also still swiped 14 bags, so perhaps that broader performance is more a blip than an indicator of a significant loss of athleticism.
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.
Guess that means No Harper?
Exactly
McCutchen won’t stop Harper
Zero % chance Harper goes to Phillies.
The Nats are better than the Phillies even with Harper. Would be too embarrassing
Phillies are winning the NL East. Nats fail to win 90 games the next 2 years.
hahaha. Collapse v.2019 coming soon
You don’t really think that do you?
how do the Nats win less than 90 games with Scherzer, Strasburg, and Corbin?
Yes, the Phillies have a long history of winning the off-season.
Theyll win 17 games each. Theyll have at least 16 blown saves. 25% of that will be walk off losses.
They won 82 games last year with Harper. Take away Harper and replace with Corbin does not = a lock for 90 wins.
From what Rosenthal said it sounds like it won’t stop them from going after him, I think this says Machado is their guy
Agreed. Boras gets more perplexing to me every offseason. He gets his deals, but it seems he overplays his hand more and more.
Clutch had a WAR twice as high as Harper last year. Not saying he’s a better player than Harper, but probably signed him for half of what Harper is asking for.
Yanks say they’re out on Harper, Phillies could be with this signing, Nationals seemed to have moved on, Cubs are seemingly out of money. Boras will get some creative contract that has an opt out clause for Harper. But seems like his stall tactics eliminate a bunch of bidders…
Machado to the Phillies seems to make the most sense now
He gets his deals – that’s probably the only part that matters.
When he doesn’t get his deals, then we can start questioning him.
Half of what Harper is asking for?? Maybe 1/8… what he’s asking for and what he will get are two totally different things, but Boras has to be pushing for $400M for Bryce.
Half the AAV in all likelihood. Maybe more like 40% but I assume that’s what he meant.
Half of what Harper wants per year….
Phils have just told Harper , through this signing, that there’s no $400 M contract in his future in Philly. This $50 M to McCutchen comes off the top. For Harper, 11 years at $340 M is tops as I see it. That still tops Stanton’s 13 year $325 M contract. No $350 M or above contract this off-season to either Harper or Machado. We learned it today.
He’s missed on a lot of deals the last few years.
How are the Cubs out of money?
How you figure?
They’re both corner OF. I figured Phillies wouldnt allocate this much of their resources into corner OF
Admittedly, I’m big Harper fan who believes Cash was posturing w/ the media, believe they sign him, barring Andy trade. Still, I’d say the same post if NYY or anyone else signed Cutch. isnt Gardner re-signing for yr less than 9M. It’s 3 years $50M.
Good God on MLB Network Joel Sherman is pontificating on the history of the Mets-Yankees trades, and his take on their 2019 teams outlook.
Not at all.
Altherr was awful last year
Williams is a terrible defender
Quinn is legendarily injury-prone
Herrera is the only returning guy that’s clearly better than a 4th OF, and he’s an enigma
There are enough questions there that even with Cutch, you can see room for Harper. (e.g. Cutch and Williams sharing LF, Herrera in CF, Harper in RF, with Quinn as a speed/defense guy off the bench)
OTOH, it does make them less desperate, and takes away some of Boras’ leverage.
That is a damn good point…leverage wise, but I think it makes Harper a Dodger. Earlier rumor has Bailey for Puig so one less outfielder in KA
Bailey for Puig? Homer? Unless I’m forgetting a bailey in the majors that’s not happening boss.
you truly have no life. first poster, EVERY time
i just wanted to say, Kudos to your handle sir
That truly is a fantastic handle!
That is great
He missed out on the Troy Tulowitzki story. Someone else commented first.
he must be crushed
There went his holiday season.
And this bothers you because……
Why do you care, are you his boss? No? then stfu and talk baseball.
I never knew you only have 1 outfielder
McCutchen in left, Harper in right
pretty strong downward trend for McCutchen the last four years.
why do the Phillies think he is going to get better at age 32?
He was not good with the Giants last year.
Not good? Maybe not at his former excellence, but to say he was not good is just plain wrong. How is a 113 OPS+ not good? On top of that you’re cherry-picking stats. His OPS+ with the NYYs was 140. Not sure why Fangraphs doesn’t break it down between the Giants and Yanks, but his wRC+ last season was 120. How is 20% better than league average not good? Maybe look at stats before exposing your ignorance with posts like that.
I saw reports on twitter saying they can have both
they said they would spend stupid money. that’s exactly what this contract qualifies as. 3 years for this bum to hit .240 and 8 hr’s a year. STUPID!
Agreed. Congratulations on getting stupid money. Was anyone else offering this?
He’s hit at least 20 homers every year for the last 8 seasons….. and that was playing home games in pitcher’s parks.
What’s “STUPID” is saying ridiculous things like McCuthen will “hit .240 and 8 hr’s a year”. Please look at some stats before posting something based on pure ignorance, As a Giant he hit 15 HRs in 130 games, half of those in the park that is the hardest place in MLB to hit HRs.
It’s guaranteed he hits more than 8 HRs in that bandbox in Philly. I’d guess he hits 3 times that many.
It means no Billy Hamilton.
Lol wut? No it doesn’t
That doesn’t mean anything.
I Finally got 1 right! Whoo!
Well there’s another whiff for me. Had him going to Atlanta.
Had him going to Pittsburgh. FA contest aside, saw his market depreciate enough for Pirates to be able to afford to sign this fan-favorite.
Same
Only one I’ve got right so far is Eovaldi to Boston. 1/7
yeah, me too. My bryce Harper prediction is also incorrect, too.
I had him going to the Diamondbacks. at least I guessed Corbin to the Nats correctly. the only one so far.
I said LAD hahaha
I’ve gotten Donaldson, Eovaldi, Pearce, Smoak, and Sabathia
Wow! all these talks about Phillies in on Machado and Harper are out the window. Only a matter of time before Machado is in Yankees uniform and Harper is a tossup for me idk what that dudes doing
This in no way precludes the Phils from signing Harper
They just had OF Hoskins going to 1B (Santana) with Odubel in CF. They’re going to upgrade that other COF. Brantley is still in play for them.
Phils had no corner OF at all basically. Cutch is just one. Harper could be the other.
bingo
maybe i don’t see it what happened with Nick Williams?
Nick Williams can’t play Defense. Unless he shows he can improve there he can’t be an everyday guy. He is a good trade chip though.
ok, just curious
i didn’t follow the Phils as mich as i have before
3 year deal
Harper signing with White Sox
Maybe if they drug him first to make him sign the contract
That’s funny:)
Harper is not interested in a rebuild. Sox are 3 years away.
More like a year away. Pale Hose can sign him a year early similar to how the Nats signed Werth a year early.
That my man is a top five post for 2018!
STL
Harper to STL means Goldschmitt is a 1 year rental.
How is that? The cardinals have plenty of wiggle room in the budget
Can they afford Goldy whos gonna get 260-300 and Harper who probs will get 320-340?
Not sure goldy will get 260 to 300, he will be 32 by next season. Unless someone way over pays in dollars and years
Goldy is 31 years old…he will not get that money…5 years 150 mil sounds close…maybe 6 years 180
damn I forgot his age. Did not realize he was that old!
Most free agents to be are. It’s rare when you have Harper and Machado at 26.
How sure are you he goes to STL the front office doesn’t inspire much confidence?
Why would the Cardinals sign Harper when they have Dexter Fowler?
I’d be stunned. White Sox are possibly going to be a finalist as they’ll have to be a substantially over-paying team to even get into a finalist position, he won’t actually sign there though. I know the White Sox want to be relevant like the Cubs were when they started rebuilding, and the Sox have put together a good rebuilding foundation and will be competitive, but that alone isn’t enough to put them in the conversation with the big boys like the Yankees, Red Sox, Dodgers, Cubs, Giants, Phillies, Nationals, and Astros. The White Sox are still a little brother team, and to land Harper, they’ll have to overpay massively above any of the above teams, much like Seattle did with Cano. They Sox just aren’t in same class as those other franchises, and they won’t be a destination for the Harper’s and Trout’s of the world. I can see them getting Machado though, as I think he’s going to get well below where he thought his market would be, and I can see the Sox paying him there whe no one will to attempt to become a relevant free agent destination.
I see them as a finalist by Boras’ design, along with the Phillies. Harper won’t want to go to either place but would use them to drive his price up.
Yes LH, exactly what I was saying. Completely agree.
Yep…see that…
Lol, gonna miss the Cutch in the bay. Harper is next up to the Phils
Good he not that great anymore.
Uhhhhh what
We need machado or harper not mccutchen unless we move him back to center
Uhh, you don’t want to do that. No.
No kidding. His defensive metrics were abysmal for the last couple years he played center. Def needs to be a corner OF or will be a big liability. He could spot up in CF in a pinch, but is in no way a long-term option there.
Phillies trying to win the off-season, not usually a good thing.
Aging player that’s nowhere close to what he used to be. Probably not a good decision.
Hes not what he used to be.
Also not being paid at that level so I don’t see the problem.
Hes still a good player and the Phillies improved again.
That division is hysterical.
The Braves were the best team and got better.
Phillies have gotten better and will undoubtedly add alot more.
Washington is apparently going to spend all their Harper money to get better.
And the mets GM is running around spreading crazy rumors looking for attention while other teams in his division actually get better.
Next year the Phillies will be trying to move his contract just like they did with Santana this year.
bingo
3/50
Good for Cutch. Seems like a good guy. Future Senator of Pennsylvania. Calling it. (joking).
Wouldn’t have guessed 3 years, for him.
I was thinking two years, $25 million. That’s a lotta cheddar. Good for him, though. He’s a good dude and I liked watching him in SF. I had him going to Washington.
This has been a crazy offseason compared to last year. I’ve never been on this site so much.
If you think this takes them out of the running for Harper and/or Machado, you haven’t looked at their payroll vs what they’ve spent in the past.
He was such a perfect fit for the Indians. Sigh.
Although looking at the terms, that seems like a fairly sizable overpay, so it’s probably best they avoided that
Overpay, not by much though
Yep.
Yeah, just keep throwing Greg Allen and Tyler Naquin out there. Why pay for quality……
I would have guessed Cutch to the Phils if I hadn’t already guessed Harper to the Phils. His wife is from central PA.
Will be interesting to see how much he got per year…
I think this could be a potentially great signing. Get Harper, have a great veteran like Cutch to strengthen that playoff drive. He’ll give you 20 to 25 homers
Seems like an overpay for what he was putting up recently.
Wow 3/50 for Cutch??? Over pay
Pollock just got really happy
way over pay. spending stupidly
hes a good outfielder, and the phillies are spending ‘stupid money.’
Phillies fans….get ready to spend $50 on 2 dogs and a beer….domestic to boot!
Why is everyone acting like the Phillies had to break the bank for McCutchen and won’t be able to afford any of the top free agents? He hasn’t been an all star for years and I would be surprised if it’s more than 3 years/45 mil.
You were close.
He was just parroting what MLBTR had already predicted.
Always like watching Cutch play, but I’m a little surprised at the size of the deal. Good for him.
This signing is independent of Harper or Machado. Phillies fans should like this deal. They overpaid, but not drastically. He’s no longer a star, but a solid everyday player.
Too much.
Good-bye Herrera!
$50/M for 3 years of a busted asset. Phillies are a joke. Love it as a Braves fan!
dude was a 3 WAR, .360 OBP bat last year lol
link to www2.philly.com
“Syndergaarden Cop26 mins ago
$50/M for 3 years of a busted asset. Phillies are a joke. Love it as a Braves fan!”
Worth repeating.
Really Cop? Chop this!
the only thing that sucks, is that the PhiLOLies set the market way too high for other outfielders with this “stupid money” signing.
50 million???
As much as I love Cutch, this might be Chapter 1 of Stupid Money by the Phillies. Year 3 might be a little messy.
Either way, good for all parties involved. Quality guy in a young clubhouse wont hurt.
They seem to be signing guys just to spend. Someone explain this move to me, I dont follow the Phils and their payroll flexibility.
They have lots of money, and like one good outfielder. I think it makes perfect sense
They can outspend anyone in the market. They signed a Comcast deal back a few years ago that gives them but loads of money and no real commitments entering this season I think 70mil total.
“They seem to be signing guys just to spend. Someone explain this move to me”
Same old Phillies. Getting out of the Yankees way.
Medium market Cardinals have been out of the playoffs for three years and that’s a trauma. The team that owns the largest single market in the game has stunk for seven straight years and this is what their fans get when they have the money for two generational talents they desperately need.
Something “witchy” is going to happen. I can feel it.
They needed veteran leadership in the clubhouse. They had zero last year. Former face a franchise. Still a solid hitter who can get on base and it healthy. Good start for the phightins
The Phils are ‘all in’ on signing Machado or Harper for silly money — the first to accept their offer. They traded for Segura and signed McCutchen early both to fill positions of need but, as a point of leverage, to signal to Machado’s and Harper’s agents that the Phils’ cupboard isn’t bare at the position each plays.
It really isn’t that hard to get; it’s negotiating 101.
Not a bad signing. He still has some gas in the tank,
More and more do I see Harper to LAD a real possibility.
Now thats an organization that doesn’t care how much to spend to win.
Yankees on the other hand…
This is going to set up some sort of trade. Not sure what but I’m thinking we are going to see Herrera, Hernandez and Franco going somewhere. This will open Machado at 3rd and Harper right.
3 years+ClubOption
I just don’t understand how at his age he gets this deal. I thought he was on the doorstep of being done. Was I that far off?
hes still a good player lol
Definitely still a solid player and good clubhouse guy/veteran leader. He’s only 32, it’s not like he’s 37 and getting this deal.
“Was I that far off?”
Nope. You’re spot on.
This is the Phillies making war on the free agent market. Intentionally spending their fans money on crap and then blaming free agency.
Meanwhile, up the turnpike and out in sunny southern California, the generational talents are signed and the success that goes with that continue as always.
Sometimes change can only occur with revolutionary actions.
The powerful must understand the meaning of: If you don’t listen, you have to feel.
ScottRolen… perfect handle for one who whines incessantly and brings nothing positive to a conversation… same old Casey’s Partner schtick, over and over and over… get a life, dude… Middleton made his money before you ever even bought a Phillies ticket
It seems the part about old money is correct.
LOL…Free strikes again…you nailed it
Southern California success?
So having not won a World Series in 30 years is success?
You must be young and forget when the Phils pinched every penny and Montgomery said the Phils were a small market team.
Seems like a overpay…AAV 17mil…geez thought he get 3yr for 36mil…oh well Idk spit
Really? I was thinking one year deals for now until he quits.
Guess that shows what we know huh?
Does everyone get the feeling that Harper and his 400 mil contract just got dramatically lowered. Id be shocked if he gets more than 8 yrs
Harper may be in a position to sign a short term deal with opt outs. He can redeem himself and still get the big deal in a year or two.
Very reminiscent of the Carlos Santana signing last year. An seeming overpay early in the signing period that the Phillies will probably be looking to pawn off on someone next year.
Yes, when Middleton said the Phillies were going to spend “stupid money” he meant the word “stupid” literally. Then he and his minions blame the free agent market.
Machado and Harper are the smartest place to put your money and that kind of an example is one the Phillies will never set. Free agency must always be a failure.
Owner was not lying when he said spent stupidly. 50 mill for an old OF going downhill. This is going to be bad
I don’t understand how he got $50m.
Keep repeating this because it’s the truth.
Never bend the knee. Take the bullet with honor.
16 mil a year really isn’t that bad compared to some contracts that get handed out. Even if this turns out badly it won’t hurt them too bad. Good signing IMO
Agreed. When you look at all the outfielders making $20-$25 Million, and they are guys that are always hurt or don’t produce (Kemp, Ellsbury, Choo, Cespedes, Heyward, etc) you can’t call this a bad deal. If you don’t land Harper, who is the next best thing? Pollack is always hurt, Brantley is always hurt, Markakis likely to go back to being Markakis…..
Markakis went back to being Markakis in the second half last year. He really only had a few weeks not being Markakis last year lol.
Go Philly Go…Segura, McCutcheon so far and the big checks have yet to be even written. I see them going hard after Kuechel. And if they’re for real on Machado/Harper, that’ll be a killer line up.
NL East is gonna be stout next year.
would have preferred brantley to mccutchen, tho, as a Segura, Brantley, Hoskins top three would be pretty good.. the top two are gonna hit close to .300 and have some of the fewest strikeouts in the league, and you get more balance between lefties and righties
Manny to the Phils. Trout will join him in two years. No need for Harper.
Manny to the Yankees after the Andujar trade, Arenado next year to the Phillies, Trout the year after.
Arenado stinks out loud. I watched him choke this year in the postseason back-to-back games.
He’s…. the best 3B in the game. Not a Rockies fan either.
Arenado is only okay outside of Coors. Won’t be worth the large contract at all. Career away stats are: .263 avg, .318 obp, .469 slg, .787 ops, which is Maikel Franco level production, but with a gold glove. So, very good, but not the best. I’d take Rendon over him any day. If Arenado gets traded this offseason, Donaldson could easily put up a better year than him. That’s how questionable his status as best 3B in the game is.
I think I read somewhere that Rendon was open to an extension. Solid player. Quiet. Just does his job. Would love to see him in a Phillies uni. Unlikely though.
Guess this is what the Phillies owner meant when he said they would spend stupid money
Free agency must fail. Old men on short contracts. Must imprint that to the brain of the fan base with the aid of the media while the Yankees continue to buy, win and add more flags.
Happy for McCutchen. One of my favorite players to watch.
Haven’t liked watching this guy for at least three years or is it four? Five?
I need to look it up.
Old man.
You’re a dope
This post actually made everyone dumber by reading it.
The Carlos Santana signing all over again
Santana wasnt a bad signing if he wasnt blocking their best player lol
I was hoping the Braves would have picked him up. McCutchen is better than Pollock because Pollock can’t stay on the field. I don’t think you can trust Brantley to stay healthy either. McCutchen is a model of consistency and still has some good years. The Phillies only slightly over paid and they can afford it.
I guess the only good thing about this is that it almost certainly moves Harper out of the NL East.
Doesn’t Harper play right field and McCutchen center? I’m not sure how this is relavent to the Harper signing. The Phil’s don’t have a veteran voice in the club house after sending Santana to the mariners. I see this as a piece to the puzzle that will be solved soon
“Veteran” leadership and voices are what the fans get when the owner won’t pay Machado and Harper.
When you have Machado __and__ Harper you don’t need any veteran anything.
never before in internet history has a “hide/block this moron’s comments” option been so badly needed. you are obviously not a baseball fan, so wtf are you doing here? you get enjoyment from trolling 24/7?
McCuthchen is a corner OF now… Unplayable in CF anymore
He’s no longer one of the game’s premier players but he is still a GOOD player.
My sinking fear is that if this Syndegaard or other pitchers to Yankees, Andujar and prospects to Marlins, Realmuto to Mets trade goes through, the Mets will basically end up spearing us twice, first by getting Realmuto and second by creating a situation in which the Yankees would go nuclear to sign Machado.
They dont have to go nuclear, Machado desperately wants to play there.
He DESPERATELY wants to play there? You have a source on that? I mean if he were desperate, he could have already signed.
Players go for the most money.That statement in light of Corbin deal is ridiculous
Yah, so did Corbin
*eye roll emoji*
Just dying to be Yankees. Can’t believe they didn’t take pay cuts to do it. It’s like they actually value dollars more than pinstripes. Crazy idea.
If the Mets come away this off season with better moves and better players, shame on the Phillies. They had cash and prospects so they should have been aggressive and dictated this offseason. Instead they came away with a mule and the hope he can make it through a few more seasons. He was a fine player in his prime which was gone in 2016. The decline only gets worse from here and you did not have to pay him 50 million because NO ONE was bidding that high for him.
McCutheon has never been below average offensively. His hard contact rate last year was solid even as other production was down when he was with the Giants. Defensively he holds his own in the outfield corner. Hall of very good type player.
He could approach 30 homers again playing in the NL East / Philadelphia.
I agree. If he hit 20 in SF, then add maybe 10 more at the Bank.
Good player but a bit overpaid. Just because Phillies have the money doesn’t mean they have to overspend. Essentially getting 18 mil a year but personally I think he deserves around 12-15 mil. Maybe the Phil wanted to play it safe. Also didn’t seem to work out when they overpaid Santana 20 mil a year for 3 years. He might decline a bit as a veteran player and as years come by, but at least it’s only 3 years. Still overpaid imo.
Agree in over pay
Phillies are dumb. Same with their manager.
It’s only a little overpay. I could imagine they did it perhaps to get McCutchen to sign right then and there. It’s a good signing and I’m even jelous. I wanted the Braves to land Cutch. He’s still productive and he’s an outstanding clubhouse presence.
Cutch is also a better option then Markakis. I think he’s better than Brantley and Pollock as well because McCutchen doesn’t have a problem staying on the field.
Its a HUGE over pay. Boston has an outfielder that they could have traded you, the Yankees have Hicks that they are going to lose next year that would have been a better move. This is stupid dollars for an aging player. Why not trade for Castellanos? His defense is not great but he hits .300 30 homers and 100 RBI at 11 million. Bad bad move!
“Defense not great”
To trade to a team whose defense was the worst in baseball
Yeah, that’s a great move!
Stop
The Yankees aren’t trading Hicks, And just because he becomes a free agent doesn’t mean he automatically signs with the Phils.
“Overspend”?
You think they’re going to sign Machado AND Harper after this?
It’s very well established that the Phillies have the money for both generational talents __and__ Mike Trout later.
INSTEAD………instead Phillies fans get old men on short deals who once upon a time long ago were somebody.
They’re not done yet genius
let’s see, they still have third base open, right field open, and salary room open, so its certainly possible for both.
So….. you say they have an unlimited budget, but also cry that they “overspent” on a player? Isn’t the convenience of being extremely wealthy that you can overpay a little? And if they get Machado AND Harper, doesn’t McCutchen only make the team THAT MUCH BETTER when you have a guy that is always in the line-up, gets on base, is fast, and has power?
At least he plays the right position. Hoskins doesn’t have to plod about in left field anymore.
McCutchen is still a serviceable starter and bottom half of the order hitter to replace Hoskins in LF, and this is what $17 mil gets you in todays market. Nick Williams is more suited to utility OF at this point, so continuing to pursue Harper is still likely the plan.
If you look at the big picture this is a solid signing, the Phillies needed to add more offense to the bottom part of that lineup in the worst way, and Harper isn’t enough to accomplish that.
Cutch would and should hit near the top of the order
Cutch was leading off for the Yankees all of September. And they have a good line-up.
Cutch is a gamer. Pollock likes these terms.
Gee, go figure, he didn’t go to the Cubs like MLBTradeRumors Top 50 thing said. Also, that was the silliest choice they’ve made.
0 for 50 is looking like a real possibility.
Is it me or does 3 yr 50 mil seem seem too much? Philly said stupid money?
Phillies said “they might be alittle stupid with spending” this guy is broken down.
Don’t be dissuaded. You’re spot on.
This is old money corruption of the worse kind. The Phillies as the leader of the Owners Union.
Doubt this effects their interest in Harper. Phillies still need a BIG bat.
This really sounds a little high for a guy who hit 255 last year with 20 hrs and is now 31. Am I wrong?I just don’t see it.
Yes, but played his home games for 5 months at PacBell. Not friendly to right handed hitters with that 421 right center wall.
good for Cutch!
This is falling into place. Machado to the Phillies, Harper to the Dodgers. This was my prediction 2 months ago and nothing tells me it still won’t be the case.
Good for the Phils, they’re making smart moves.
Not waiting around to give out $400+ million contacts to destroy their payroll for years to come, not to say they still won’t do that lol.
Definitely more money than I expected McCutchen to sign for, but the truth is he is still a good player. My only hope as a Braves fan is that whomever Atlanta gets as an outfielder out produces McCutchen over the length of the entire contract. I fully expect McCutchen to be a good contributor in 2019.
Good players get 2 years at 10 million with an option for a 3rd this was stupid money a stupid signing and just not smart at all. All the things they could have done and this agent sold him on this old guy? 50 million? Really? Stupid is as stupid does!
You’re a dope
southi…………
I agree. I don’t understand so many acting like he is 39 years old. He just turned 32, and while his MVP days are behind him he is still productive.
I usually look at a players previous 5 seasons but I am sure I will catch flack so lets just go 2 seasons…. .267/.366/.455 121 OPS+ 48 HR and 5.1WAR. He is still a productive player.
Every day is looking like a better possibility for Bryce Harper and/or Manny Machado winding up with the White Sox.
While the Phillies signing of free agent Andrew McCutchen and trading for SS Jean Segura doesn’t preclude them from pursuing Harper or Machado it makes it a little less likely, especially since they are also involved in the sweepstakes for one of the top remaining FA starting pitchers.
Another potential ChiSox competitor in the Yankees have already reportedly bowed out of the Harper sweepstakes and don’t appear willing to max out on a Machado contract either. Like the Phillies, the Yanks are prioritizing pitching and unlike them they already have numerous mega contracts on their books.
I now see the Dodgers as the White Sox chief competition for Harper provided they move some of their outfield surplus in exchange for a starting pitcher like Cory Kluber or catcher J.T Realmuto which is a real possibility in the coming days and weeks. I believe the Phillies could still be players for Machado as a third baseman which would also be his likely position on the South Side of Chicago in 2019 and beyond.
i would have preferred signing him last year for 1 year as opposed to signing Santana, to be the veteran guy, without having to move Hoskins…..
but im not at all thrilled at a 3 year deal here, though he does bring professionalism to this team, and should do better in Philly than in SF.
Phillies said they had gobs of money to spend but this was just stupid. 50 million for an aging star that will struggle to hit over .260 doesn’t have the speed to steal 30 bases and his arm doesn’t put fear into anyone trying to take the extra base. I don’t get this move and his agent should be given some type of an award because no one thought he would get 3 years and especially 50 million. The best retirement package I have seen this off season! Sorry, Phillies but this was not a splash, this was a kerplunk, a dud, a waste of your money.
It’s called veteran leadership in a clubhouse that clearly had none for a while
Agree, he aged early, still should be in his prime at 32, afraid he may drop off some more quickly.
This website predicted 3 years (at $45 Million) . So….. someone thought that! I think the next 3 years will prove your opinion wrong.
Well there goes my hopes for him signing with the Braves. I hope they don’t go after Brantley. Unless this signing set the tone for batters over the age 30
Character/leadership signing. Get the same production from a Williams/Altherr platoon, but the Phils need veteran leadership. Can’t do much better than Cutch.
Did you see what Williams,and Altherr did in 2018?
why do the Phillies give out fat contacts to medicore players? watched mccutchen while he was in SF and he’s ass
Doesn’t help when you play with a walking MASH unit. Journeymen like Gorkys Hernandez hitting behind him for protection. Those 73 walks in a Giants uniform were no accident by the opposing pitchers.
My disappointment is immeasurable and my day is ruined.
Welcome to the Darkside of free agency.
But really, why does this upset you?
Because they could be spending their money much better elsewhere, and didnt need to jump at him. (a la Santana, whose I was a fan of at the time) There are plenty of OF who aren’t on as a much of a decline as Cutch that you could get for less, or perhaps via trade.
They overpaid for McCutchen but it seems the Phillies have to outbid other teams that players view as better/more desirable. I’m sure they explored trades for an outfielder before signing McCutchen. Who’s available in a trade and and what cost? Every team is going to ask for pitchers Sanchez or Medina. Their top hitting prospects don’t project that well. To get someone better than McCutchen in a trade would mean significantly depleting their farm system.
I don’t love the McCutchen signing at $50 million by any stretch but they could be left with little to choose from if they whiff on Harper and Machado..
“There are plenty of OF who aren’t on as a much of a decline as Cutch…”
So who are all these guys that are younger and have anywhere near the same level of production?
Trout is the real prize. Phils shouldn’t do anything this year to jeopardize bringing Trout home.
If Trout wants to play at home, there’s absolutely nothing that can jeopardize that.
No guarantee that happens. Take care or NOW. Not 2 years from now. That’s how you fail as an organization
I actually like this move. Cutch has great plate discipline which inspires confidence in some form of longevity.
His power probably plays up at CBP too
He Sucks!
” a fool and his money ” Cutch probably starts 2 seasons and then is gone but I guess 50 million is a reasonable gamble?
Harper may get a surprise if the Dodgers don’t sign him, that 300 million for 10 years from the Nationals might start looking better. All this 400 million talk was not lost on the owners. Not saying collusion but after the Stanton deal years ago is it worth it.
Cutch needs to grow back the dreads. His baseball talent was directly tied to his dreads. His power was in his dreads man. (Joking obviously)
that is a whole lot more than i thought he was going to get both in years and dollars
I also didn’t think he was going to get that kind of money.
Cutch is clutch and such.
Is it either Harper/Machado or bust for the Phils at this point? They’ve basically put themselves in that spot with all this talk going into the offseason. Adding Segura was a good addition but that’s not a free agent splash
I’m certainly happy they overpaid for him on too long of a contract so Atlanta couldn’t.
Great signing… gives you solid defense in right. A great obp guy. Some speed to steal a base. Some power, 20 homers maybe. I can see them putting Harper in left with Herrera in center. Harper could bat 3rd, between Segura and Hoskins with Cutch batting 5th. That’s 4 great obp’s in a row. 5 if they have Hernandez leading off. That’s a solid 1-5 in the lineup. Then you have Franco, Herrera and Alfaro… I would trade Williams and Franco and sign Moose for third. Better defense and a little better pop.
Phillies are panicking. They literally have no one that teams want to trade for. Their GM is a doofus.
The problem with the Phillies rebuild – there’s no there there.
Harper and Machado want no part of being stuck in that mess – as I’ve written for 3 weeks. Imagine being beached on a below average team like that for 3-4 years waiting for the opt-out clause to kick in.
Players won’t sign there unless they’re desperate.
As I also said, their purpose this offseason is to bid up the prices on the name free agents.
Machado to da Yankees. Harper back to the Nats.
Such an idiotic comment
So I’ll assume that means they are going after Machado vs Harper. Yanks might end up getting him at Stanton money or less.
McCutcheon is still a reasonably good player but he has steadily gone downhill over the last three year period.I think that this is a bad signing in that it is for too long and way too much money.The Phillies made a real mistake with Santana last year and another one with this signing.It should have been for two years $25million tops.They may get one good year from him and that is probably what this team was banking on as the money does not mean much to them now that the onerus contracts are well in the rear view mirror.
Great comment. Yes, just like the Santana signing.
Phil’s fans that are applauding this are in serious denial.
Enough with the idiocy
Man, just because Cutch isn’t a superstar anymore doesn’t mean he isn’t a valuable player. Slight overpay but the intangibles he will bring for a club trying to take the next step will make up for it. Good signing. Better than Brantley because injuries obv
Just my opinion but I have a gut harper ends up with chisox, machado not really sure, but leaning towards a ny team yanks or mets. If not then them the outside box says giants or padres.
I wonder how the contract is structured. Could be front loaded making year 3 less relevant. I guess we’ll find out.
Never mind. I see year 3 is $15m with a $3m buyout.
So, since it appears I’m alone I’ll continue to muse on the Phillies. They still need a lefty starter. I prefer Dallas to J.A. But as a phan, I’ll take what I can get.
After that, still need a corner outfielder and a 3rd basemen. Two names come to mind. I sure hope they don’t lose out on both.
I’m a little slow. Yanks just announced they have a deal in place with JA Happ.
Move quickly on Dallas K Klentak.
not sure that a lefty starter is a an absolute NEED, is it? Phils have a lot of holes but their starting rotation is low on their list compared to other areas. Keep the focus on Harper/Machado and Britton/Miller. If they miss on one of the BIG TWO, yea, i think they go hard for a Kluber/Ray trade…I’m kinda with you on Keuchel–i think he’s gonna provide similar value as Corbin if you look at the years and dollars on his eventual contract, but the Phils really need to know what they are doing about 3B before they bring in a groundball specialist like Keuchel. Phils have done a great job so far in improving the defense, but 3B…Manny?
What an awful signing in terms of both years and amount. As a Braves fan…thanks!
I don’t like what this deal does to the price of over-the-hill corner outfielders. The Braves still need to sign an OF, and this will set the expectations higher.
Philly out on the big boys that’s why they went to Cutch – wrong guy.
He’s going to play a year then he’ll get traded.
so, I’m a wee bit confused on the Phillies thinking …They want/need a left rotation arm..They wouldn’t go that 6th year on Corbin which I understand, but then also wanted J.A. and didn’t step up to sign him..now, Matt Klentak is saying they may stay with last years rotation..SMH!
Hope I’m wrong, but more and more it looks like Harper and Machado will sign elsewhere..While they met with Boras, they did not meet with Harper..They will meet with Machado next week in Philly..
Klentak needs to sign Machado or he will go the way of the Flyers general manager and out the door.Middleton wants to spend money for a winner as is apparent from the McCutcheon signing.They will also have to to sign at least one front line pitcher.
Considering McCutchen’s offensive output the last few years, he made out like a bandit with this contract. Three years is not too long of a commitment, but $17 and $20M last two years of the contract? Wow!
My thoughts exactly
An absolute joke! A guy who is declining year after year is getting paid more and more as he gets older and probably worse?
How does the Phillies GM keep his job after this? Another example of why MLB needs to join the rest of pro sports and get a damn salary cap so agents dont get guys like this to waste owner money that is better spent elsewhere!
The league would be more competitive and it would force MLB to add more playoff teams.
Only in professional sports where you get paid more for less output on the job.
Seems like they’re paying him as if he’ll be 32 or 33 at the end of the contract instead of him being 35 or 36.