According to multiple reports, it seems that OF Andrew McCutchen may end up being more than just a rental for the Yankees.
Earlier this week, Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe reported the Yankees’ interest in re-signing McCutchen as a free agent in the off-season.
“If the Yankees can cut a reasonable deal, they’d like to have Andrew McCutchen, who will be a free agent, back next season. The Yankees like him on the field and in the clubhouse.”
Since being acquired from the Giants at the trade deadline, McCutchen has hit .233 with five home runs, nine RBIs, and 15 runs scored. Although his batting average is underwhelming, the 31-year-old has provided stability in the leadoff role. In 31 games for the Yankees, the veteran outfielder has walked 21 times, contributing to his gaudy OBP of .424 over that span.
The Yankees currently have several outfield options under contract for next year including Giancarlo Stanton, Aaron Judge, Aaron Hicks, Clint Frazier, and Jacoby Ellsbury. The team also has the option of renewing Brett Gardner’s contract for $12.5 million, but that can be bought out for $2 million.
It seems that the Yankees and McCutchen have mutual feelings; as the five-time all star has expressed his feelings about the organization and his future during an interview with NJ Advance Media.
“The class here is just different. There’s just a different feel that you get when you are on this team. You feel like you’re kind of part of that history, and just to be even mentioned in it is quite an honor honestly. This is the first year being out of Pittsburgh, so being in San Francisco, I had to tell myself that was a place where I could be beyond this year and I’m thinking the same thing about New York. This is the place I could be beyond this year.”
So even though, in the short time he’s been in New York, McCutchen has lost his luggage…
.@TheCUTCH22's day off did NOT go as planned. 😂 pic.twitter.com/BWoKi8QUL0
— Cut4 (@Cut4) September 7, 2018
He was attacked by a turf monster in Tampa…
Cutch recaps gettin sniped at the Trop.
“Please don’t hit me!” 🤣 @TheCUTCH22 pic.twitter.com/8ZfT2bj6vZ
— Bronx Pinstripes (@BronxPinstripes) September 26, 2018
And the guy still wants to come back…Respect.
