Rumor: Yankees could target Andrew McCutchen in offseason
In his "State of the Yankees" address, general manager Brian Cashman spoke about how the Yankees offense didn't produce at the level that the organization hoped it would. For a team that will be looking to add more power to their offense, dishing out big contracts to free agent sluggers might not be the best idea at this point. However, could a trade for a All-Star caliber outfielder become a possibility for the Bronx Bombers? According to Rob Biertempfel of the Pittsburgh Tribune, there's a feeling that the Pittsburgh Pirates may look to trade 2013 MVP Andrew McCutchen this offseason. Now, you might be wondering, "why would the Pirates trade their five-time All-Star centerfielder? McCutchen is set to hit the free agent market as early as next winter. If the Pirates feel they can't sign him to a long-term extension, they might explore possible trade options to make sure they get a good package in return. Teams that don't want to dish out huge contracts to free agent sluggers will definitely be intrigued by the possibility of trading for McCutchen. The 29-year-old is set to make $14 million for the 2017 season, and has a $14.75 million dollar team option (with a $1 million dollar buyout) for 2018. Let's put McCutchen's current contract into perspective. Jacoby Ellsbury, 33, is set to make over $21 million in 2017. Ellsbury is a pretty solid player when healthy, but McCutchen has consistently been one of the best outfielders in the game during his 8-year-career. Joe Giglio of NJ.com thinks that the Yankees should consider trading for the All-Star centerfielder. Here's some logical reasons why Giglio thinks a trade for McCutchen could make sense for the Bronx Bombers.
It's no secret that the Yankees want to reset the luxury tax before the big name free agents hit the market in 2018. Adding McCutchen wouldn't hurt the luxury tax, as he is set to make just over $28 million over the next two seasons.
Coming off his "down year" by his standards, the Yankees may be able to "buy low" on McCutchen. The organization doesn't want to part with its top young prospects, and might not have to if they are able to work out a trade.
If the Yankees acquire McCutchen, this move would allow Cashman to explore other trade possibilities. Giglio suggests that both Brett Gardner and Jacoby Ellsbury could end up on the trade block, although it would be very tough to move Ellsbury's mega contract. How does the possibility of a future outfield of Clint Frazier, McCutchen and Aaron Judge sound?
McCutchen has been a consistent power hitter over his big league career. The 29-year-old has hit at least 20 homers in each of the past seasons, and could be a nice power surge in the middle of the Yankees lineup.
A possible trade for Andrew McCutchen could be a very interesting possibility for the Yankees. If McCutchen becomes available on the trade block, at least expect the Yankees to inquire about what it would take to land the All-Star outfielder. With Cashman leading the way, don't ever rule any possibility out. Come Opening Day, there could be a chance that we hear this over the loud speakers at Yankee Stadium. "Now batting for your New York Yankees... outfielder.... Andrew McCutchen."