With the Los Angeles Dodgers reconsidering their interest in Giancarlo Stanton and potentially swoop in to trade for the slugging outfielder, the Giants are keeping their outfield options open. It was reported Wednesday morning that the Giants are keeping in touch with the Pittsburgh Pirates regarding their centerfielder Andrew McCutchen.
Source: #SFGiants have remained in contact with #Pirates on Andrew McCutchen, who is among options they could pursue if they do not acquire Giancarlo Stanton from #Marlins. @MLB @MLBNetwork
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) November 29, 2017
The five-time All-Star and 2013 National League MVP smacked 203 home runs and batted .291 with 171 stolen bases over his nine years in the major leagues, all of which he spent with the Pirates. McCutchen put up his best numbers from 2012-2014; where he batted .327 and hit 31 in 2012, stole 27 bases in 2013, and registered a .314 batting average in 2014.
Although he went through a minor slump in 2016, batting only .256, McCutchen managed to hit 24 home runs and showed signs of a rebound with a strong showing last season, hitting .270 with 28 home runs. McCutchen has averaged 24 home runs per season, an offensive trait the Giants are in desperate need of in their lineup.
With his current contract, which lasts through next season, McCutchen is not currently the long-term solution for the Giants in the outfield. However, the $14.5 million McCutchen is promised next year will not break the team’s bank and is a considerably cheaper option than Stanton.
Andrew McCutchen’s contract is *a little* less expensive than Giancarlo Stanton’s: McCutchen is signed for one more season at $14.5 million. @MLB @MLBNetwork
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) November 29, 2017