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Mets Among Teams With Interest In Andrew McCutchen

By Anthony Franco | January 11, 2023 at 11:36pm CDT

The Mets have shown interest in veteran outfielder Andrew McCutchen, reports Jon Heyman of the New York Post (Twitter link). New York joins the Rays and Dodgers as teams known to have checked in regarding the former MVP this offseason.

McCutchen is one of the better right-handed hitting outfielders remaining in free agency. At age 36, he’s no longer the dynamic superstar he was at his peak. Yet the five-time All-Star still has a patient plate approach and decent power. McCutchen connected on 17 home runs while drawing walks in 9.8% of his 580 plate appearances with the Brewers last season. He made hard contact on 40% of his batted balls, around four points higher than the league average.

Overall, his .237/.316/.384 line was right around league average. McCutchen has posted approximately average offensive numbers three years running, although the shape of his production was different last year than in previous seasons. From 2020-21 as a member of the Phillies, he stumbled to a .204/.297/.364 line against right-handed pitching but tattooed southpaws at a .290/.402/.603 clip. His splits were fairly even in 2022. McCutchen improved to .237/.316/.384 against same-handed arms but dropped back to .221/.303/.434 when holding the platoon advantage.

McCutchen is essentially limited to the corner outfield or designated hitter at this stage of his career. He started a pair of games in center last season but that marked his first action up the middle since 2019. He’s played primarily left field of late. Public metrics weren’t especially found of his glovework in Philadelphia, but Defensive Runs Saved credited him as five runs better than the average left fielder over 268 1/3 innings there last season. Milwaukee gave him more run at designated hitter but he’s capable of logging at least part-time corner outfield work.

It’s that role for which the Mets are ostensibly eyeing him. New York has a quality starting trio of Mark Canha, Brandon Nimmo and Starling Marte. Nimmo has had a number of injured list stints throughout his career, while both Canha and Marte are into their mid-30’s. Khalil Lee, coming off a .211/.326/.366 showing in Triple-A, is the only other natural outfielder on the 40-man roster. Darin Ruf can also factor into the corner outfield but had a tough second half after being acquired from the Giants. There’s appeal for New York in adding a quality player to the bench. A center field-capable player might be preferable, but Marte at least gives New York some cover as insurance behind Nimmo if the Mets were to add a corner-only bat.

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74 Comments

  1. Acura Dude

    2 years ago

    It’s a shame the Pirates don’t bring him home.

    17
    Reply
    • fre5hwind

      2 years ago

      I wish he retire with them.

      4
      Reply
    • Goku the All Knowing

      2 years ago

      why do ppl keep saying this as if playing for the pirates would be an enjoyable experience

      it’d be a shame if he ever has to return to the pirates, is how that should be worded

      8
      Reply
      • fre5hwind

        2 years ago

        No, your not taking it from my POV I’m-saying he should sign cheap for 1 year and retire after, not like actually making a good impact for the team.

        Reply
    • TheMan 3

      2 years ago

      The real shame is that the owner of the Pirates is too cheap to bring Cutch back for one more season.

      1
      Reply
      • Robertowannabe

        2 years ago

        As a Pirates fan myself, I have no interest in bringing back a player at the end of his career that is a shadow of his former self. Have seen too many similar guys brought in here that flamed out shortly after arriving.

        2
        Reply
        • Poster formerly known as . . .

          2 years ago

          The Pirates fielded the second-youngest team in baseball last year. When McCutchen was with the Yankees, he was a conspicuously great teammate. It certainly couldn’t hurt the Pirates to have his veteran presence in the clubhouse.

          2
          Reply
        • Robertowannabe

          2 years ago

          The have Hill, Velasquez, Santana, and Choi on the roster already. They increase the average age and all add quality veteran presence.

          Reply
        • tiredolddude

          2 years ago

          Agree with you but those close to Cutch have said he’s looking to hook on with a contender. He’d be a good addition and likely one of their best players, even though his skills have declined
          Oh by the way, which one’s Fink?

          1
          Reply
        • Poster formerly known as . . .

          2 years ago

          Have a cigar.

          1
          Reply
    • Lyman Bostock

      2 years ago

      Agreed. Always love when guys go home for their last season.

      1
      Reply
      • Goku the All Knowing

        2 years ago

        cutch is from Florida.. pirates did nothing but rip him off during his prime

        Reply
        • tiredolddude

          2 years ago

          But he actually made his home here, Goku. Unlike so many players these days, he and his wife lived here year round (I don’t know if this is still true). He did a great deal of charitable work here. Showed up at Pittsburgh events.
          In this city at least, that counted for something and like other hometown guy Neil Walker, well, you know the rest
          But that’s history.
          Again, word is he wishes to be with a contender. Who can blame him?

          Reply
  2. Plugnplay

    2 years ago

    Why wouldn’t they?

    Reply
  3. Goku the All Knowing

    2 years ago

    would be cool to see him re-united with Marte

    4
    Reply
  4. Buzz Killington

    2 years ago

    Clutchen McCutchen has a little left in the tank.

    4
    Reply
  5. positively_broad_st

    2 years ago

    Cutch is a better fit in St. Louis in a platoon with Burleson at DH…

    3
    Reply
    • bighiggy

      2 years ago

      I was thinking the cards should throw voit a bone as a dh platoon mate. McCutchen wouldn’t be bad either

      Reply
    • Rsox

      2 years ago

      Yepez probably serves as the RH side of a DH platoon with Burleson

      Reply
      • positively_broad_st

        2 years ago

        Yepez can fill in at all four corner positions. Cutch only plays the two corner outfield spots, but mostly left. Defensively in the outfield, they’re probably a wash, but if Yepez platoons with Nootbar in right, it leaves open the opportunity to move him to a different position during a game if necessary. Plus the Cards lost two strong veteran personalities in Pujols and Molina, so Cutch could come in and bring a value of a strong, yet fun-loving veteran presence to help fill that void without stepping on the toes of Goldschmidt and Arenado as the new team leaders. Cutch is a really good fit on the Cardinals in my opinion…

        Reply
  6. Bill M

    2 years ago

    Same age as Ruf and a better hitter. So grab him and throw Ruf to the curb

    5
    Reply
    • VonPurpleHayes

      2 years ago

      He’s not much of a hitter anymore, but his clubhouse presence is a big factor. There’s no player in the game easier to root for.

      3
      Reply
      • GareBear

        2 years ago

        Last season was his first with a below league average OPS+…which was only 1% below league average. He has been consistently a positive with the bat. As a platoon corner OF/DH he is a great piece for a winning team

        1
        Reply
        • VonPurpleHayes

          2 years ago

          Right, and I would expect that decline to continue as he’s in the twilight of his career.

          1
          Reply
      • Lucky Strike

        2 years ago

        Old man whose time is gone taking the place of the next generation? Some guys need to be told to stay home.

        2
        Reply
        • Poster formerly known as . . .

          2 years ago

          Twenty-seven qualified players had a lower wRC+ than McCutchen and 10 had a lower fWAR. Maybe they should stay home before he does.

          1
          Reply
    • Rsox

      2 years ago

      Playing time will likely be a factor. Do the Mets see McCutchen as the regular in LF (which makes Canha expendable) or as the RH side of a DH platoon with Vogelbach (which then probably leads to jettisoning Ruf).

      A team like the Rays can offer regular AB’s between the OF/DH as could the Rangers. The Dodgers don’t have a “starting” LF so lots of AB’s to be had there as well. It seems like the Mets are just buying players and hoping to figure out how they fit later

      Reply
      • JoeBrady

        2 years ago

        which then probably leads to jettisoning Ruf
        =========================
        Trade him back to the SFG for a lottery ticket, while picking up half the salary. A fitting end to a fairly bad trade.

        1
        Reply
  7. Braves Butt-Head

    2 years ago

    Braves should bring him in to play LF/DH he probably would be better than Ozuna and give good defense.

    Reply
    • SocoComfort

      2 years ago

      Rather have Adam Duvall as a depth piece.

      3
      Reply
    • VonPurpleHayes

      2 years ago

      Cutch’s defense isn’t what I’d call good anymore. Range and arm both subpar.

      3
      Reply
    • Big whiffa

      2 years ago

      Ozuna is by far the cream of that crop

      Reply
    • Idosteroids

      2 years ago

      Braves have 7 OFs on the 40 man roster. Already crowded. Harris in CF and Acuna in RF. 5 players fighting for the LF role…

      Reply
  8. PaulyMidwest

    2 years ago

    Wish the cubs would sign him to round out our roster. He def has something left. I used to watch him play for the Indianapolis Indians. Always fun to watch.

    1
    Reply
  9. Russelmysanchez21

    2 years ago

    I know reliever probably should be priority… and fifth starter is a mess.. but I don’t think jays give up on kikuchi… and I think they are confident in the pen they have now.. mccutchen would be perfect final piece\ fourth outfielder. Right now jays have nobody other than the three starters (other than merrifield who should be second starter… and biggio who is not enough).

    Reply
  10. The Einheri

    2 years ago

    Despite having a glut of outfielders, the Twins could use him as their 4th OF. Right-handed bat. They have all lefties.

    1
    Reply
    • LarsAnderson

      2 years ago

      Plus the Twins like to sign guys the Mets are interested in.

      1
      Reply
  11. Bart Harley Jarvis

    2 years ago

    I loved Andrew McCutchen during his time in Philadelphia, and the 2019 knee injury/surgery was a tough break after only 59 games in a Phillies uniform. That said, I hate to see him get that Mets stank on him after such a stellar career.

    2
    Reply
  12. rct

    2 years ago

    I’m not too sure the Mets need another OF. McNeil is capable of playing corner OF and they can always try to develop Baty there as well. Or if they do keep Baty on the MLB team and want to play him at 3B, Escobar would slide to 2B and McNeil would push Canha to the bench/4th OF.

    Reply
    • VonPurpleHayes

      2 years ago

      Agreed. I think it’s important to let some of the prospects play and develop. The easy thing to say is the Mets need a power bat, but really they just need that for the playoffs and can pick it up at the deadline. This offense helped them to 101 wins last year.

      2
      Reply
      • NMK 2

        2 years ago

        Acquisitions now cost money, which Uncle Steve has aplenty. Acquisitions made mid-season cost talent, which the organization is trying to hold onto. If they feel the need to add a bat, would rather it be done now.

        1
        Reply
        • VonPurpleHayes

          2 years ago

          @NMK 2 Good point, but if that young talent isn’t getting playing time because they’re blocked by win-now talent, then you should give them up.

          1
          Reply
  13. LFGMets (Metsin7)

    2 years ago

    Please don’t bring him in Mets. Washed up superstar who doesn’t even like NY. Get someone younger with some controllability. Maybe pull off a trade for Joc Pederson

    1
    Reply
    • rct

      2 years ago

      Pederson isn’t young (30 years old), has no control beyond this season, and is a low probability to even get traded considering the Giants offered him a QO that he accepted.

      1
      Reply
    • VonPurpleHayes

      2 years ago

      Doesn’t like NY? Played good ball for the Yanks.

      4
      Reply
      • LordD99

        2 years ago

        @Von, he wanted to remain a Yankee, loved his brief time there by all reports, so I don’t believe he has a problem with NY.

        4
        Reply
        • VonPurpleHayes

          2 years ago

          Yea exactly. It’s why I was confused by LFGMets’ statement.

          3
          Reply
    • TheMan 3

      2 years ago

      a washed up player wouldn’t have hit 17 homers last year. Cutch is not the same player he was when he played for the Pirates but is still has a great clubhouse presence and never said he hated NY.
      But if you’re looking for someone that does, look no further

      Reply
      • JoeBrady

        2 years ago

        a washed up player wouldn’t have hit 17 homers last year.
        =======================
        Way too many fans have the shiny object syndrome. They only recognize big names, and everyone else is washed up. Mets fans are different since the Mets are trying to buy every available player.

        But for everyone else, the best GMs are the ones that can obtain those quality #20-26 guys on the cheap.

        As a RS fan, I’d be pretty happy to bring him in at $3M or thereabouts.

        2
        Reply
    • Poster formerly known as . . .

      2 years ago

      McCutchen was credited with 4 Defensive Runs Saved and 0 Outs Above Average in 2022. Pederson was taxed with -15 Defensive Runs Saved and -11 Outs Above Average. Are you looking for a DH, Mets fan?

      Reply
      • LFGMets (Metsin7)

        2 years ago

        @Fink Ployed I’ll take Pederson’s offense and bad defense over Cutch’s below average production and average defense. It worked for the Phillys with Schwarber and Castellanos, why can’t it work for the Mets?
        Defense is overatted anyway. Pederson plays left field anyway

        Reply
        • Poster formerly known as . . .

          2 years ago

          Pederson is a more productive hitter, but is that what the Mets need — a DH?

          As for defense being overrated, that’s an arguable claim. Like Casey Stengel said: “I don’t like them fellas who drive in two runs and let in three.”

          I’ll readily concede the dubiousness of defensive metrics, which commonly don’t agree. But that’s a different issue. I think that defense, regardless of how it’s measured, is very important. Keeping opponents from scoring is half the game, no?

          Reply
        • Poster formerly known as . . .

          2 years ago

          I do agree with you that a defensively inferior player with a good bat can be valuable, and possibly more so than a good defender with a mediocre bat.

          1
          Reply
        • VonPurpleHayes

          2 years ago

          Citifield has a much bigger OF than Citizen’s Bank Park.

          Reply
        • Poster formerly known as . . .

          2 years ago

          Citi Field used to be even bigger, but they brought in the fences:

          cbssports.com/mlb/news/report-mets-bringing-in-the…

          And they’re bringing them in again before the 2023 season:

          sportsbusinessjournal.com/Daily/Issues/2022/11/11/…..

          Reply
  14. MPrck

    2 years ago

    He’d have been the best hitter on last years Tigers, so if you have Cohen money it’s a great pick up for a loaded team.

    Reply
  15. This one belongs to the Reds

    2 years ago

    Cincinnati looking at him or Duvall?

    They should but I doubt it. Bob has the kid GM sitting on his hands.

    Reply
    • tiredolddude

      2 years ago

      If he was going to think of the Reds, he might as well retire as a Pirate. But word is that he wants to go with a contender. Shame. Even though he’s not what he once was, at 36 he’d still be an upgrade over most candidates for outfield spots here in Pittsburgh

      Reply
    • Big whiffa

      2 years ago

      There’s way better options for reds out there than ol man mccutchen and Duvall.

      1
      Reply
      • This one belongs to the Reds

        2 years ago

        Such as?

        Reply
  16. In Seager/Hader We Trust > the 70 MM DH Ohtani

    2 years ago

    Prediction: Dodgers offer 1 year 1 million, Yanks offer 2, Rangers offer 3, and the Red Sox offer 10… he signs with the Dodgers. Red Sox, you may ask? They are just really unlucky.

    1
    Reply
  17. Starr247

    2 years ago

    So as not to move people into ill advised positions, he’d make a perfect 4th outfielder and/or right handed DH with Volgelbach. Also his clubhouse presence would be a huge plus.

    3
    Reply
    • mookie1

      2 years ago

      People are too quick to put McNeil in the outfield. I know he’s competent there, but that should be a contingency, not a plan. Maybe if someone is out long term, he goes to the OF, otherwise let him play second full time and hopefully stay healthy.

      For the reasons to you stated McCutchen is a good fit. As long as the price is right, he would be a good one year signing. I think Alvarez and Baty should start at AAA and force the Mets to call them up by dominating. If that’s the case McCutchen can be pushed aside.

      Reply
  18. When it was a game.

    2 years ago

    He is actually a remarkable man. He is from a very poor city not far from me in Florida and he has invested a ton of money and time in to the schools and sports programs all over the state. Sadly a lot of people don’t hear much about this.

    10
    Reply
    • VonPurpleHayes

      2 years ago

      Greatest dude in the game IMO.

      1
      Reply
    • mookie1

      2 years ago

      Fortunately there are some people like him who don’t do it for the accolades. I like rooting for guys like him to succeed.

      Reply
  19. DocBB

    2 years ago

    Really bad outfielder at this point. Not worth more than $4-5M

    Reply
    • Poster formerly known as . . .

      2 years ago

      How did a really bad outfielder get credited with 5 Defensive Runs Saved in only 434.1 innings in the outfield?

      Reply
      • DocBB

        2 years ago

        -0.4 dWAR at BR -11.3 Defensive rating at FG.

        Reply
        • Poster formerly known as . . .

          2 years ago

          I don’t know what Fangraphs stats you’re looking at:

          fangraphs.com/leaders.aspx?pos=of&stats=fld&#…

          Reply
    • mookie1

      2 years ago

      I don’t think he’s bad, but even with his average defense, I wouldn’t go above $4M guaranteed.

      Reply
  20. Juggy

    2 years ago

    Mets want everyone don’t they? No stone is left uncovered

    Reply
  21. CarverAndrews

    2 years ago

    Funny thing is that the Phils could now use the OF depth after trading Vierling. Guthrie is intriguing, but still a big unknown.

    No doubt that the bat is slower, and the legs are not what they were especially after the ACL. The defense is now below par even in the corners, and the bat is league average with some platoon upside on the short side. All that being said, I love the guy and would be thrilled to have him back for one more run. Such a great clubhouse fit in Philly and he will have a few more moments that remind us of who he was as a player.

    Reply
  22. joblo

    2 years ago

    2/3 of a Pirates outfield reunion with Marte.

    Reply

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