3 reactions to Philadelphia Phillies signing Andrew McCutchen
By Jake Starr
McCutchen gives Phillies reliable bat
For the past few seasons, one of the Phillies biggest issues was their lack of consistent bats in the lineup, especially in corner outfield spots. While McCutchen is not the player he used to be, he should still provide some reliability for the Phillies on offense.
McCutchen has hit 20 or more home runs every season since 2011. Last season, the Phillies only had four players slug 20 or more long balls, so adding McCutchen should add some pop to the Phillies lineup.
The Phillies also get a professional hitter in McCutchen, who has hit above .250 in every season of his career. He will give the Phillies some reliability in the middle of their lineup. For a team that underachieved offensively last season, some reliability will be nice to have.
McCutchen is entering the latter half of his career and is no longer the elite player he once was. He won’t be looked at as a centerpiece to Philadelphia’s lineup, but he will be a nice piece to have and an upgrade over what the Phillies had previously.
Having a bat like McCutchen to put around guys like Rhys Hoskins, Jean Segura and possibly another big name should only benefit the Phillies’ offense more. He seems like a shoo-in to slug 20 home runs and hit around .260. Not superstar type numbers, but good numbers to say the least.