Should the Philadelphia Phillies trade Andrew McCutchen?
Could the Philadelphia Phillies trade their starting left fielder?
Philadelphia Phillies owner John Middleton on Sunday was quick to shut down the notion that Zack Wheeler was on the trade block simply to clear salary cap space.
The rumor from ESPN’s Buster Olney caught many fans by surprise, not that the Phillies wanted to reduce their payroll, but that they’d move on from a relatively young pitcher, something they don’t have much of.
If the Phillies do want to trim their payroll or create space for another player (J.T. Realmuto) the contract to trade is likely Andrew McCutchen‘s $20 million salary, the third-highest for a left fielder in 2021.
More from Section 215
- 4 Eagles on the Bubble Who Have Clinched Their 53-Man Roster Spots
- Best Pennsylvania Sportsbook Promos: Win $650 GUARANTEED Bonus PLUS $100 off NFL Sunday Ticket
- 3 Punters the Eagles Must Target to Replace Arryn Siposs
- Cowboys Trey Lance Trade Proves How Screwed They Are With Dak Prescott
- Devon Allen Took Britain Covey’s Job on Eagles
McCutchen has been a fan favorite wherever he’s been and that remains true in Philadelphia. His embrace of the Uncle Larry character and magnetic presence both on and off the field are invaluable for team chemistry and fanbases.
However, the Phillies might be able to find a player who, on paper, can replicate McCutchen’s production at a fraction of his $20 million salary and the $15 million team option for 2022 (though there is a $3 million buyout).
In 116 games with Philadelphia McCutchen has hit .255 with 20 home runs, 63 RBI, and 21 doubles with a .352 on-base percentage. Those numbers aren’t shabby at all; in 2019 there were 38 players who hit at or better in each of those categories. In 2018 McCutchen was only one of 24 players with those numbers. The lists include Mike Trout, Charlie Blackmon, Bryce Harper, and an array of baseball’s other young stars.
No doubt, McCutchen is a valuable player and when he has a full season of stats he remains one of the more productive players in baseball. It’s the money, age, and injury history that bring his future with the team into question.
For less than $20 million a season, are the Phillies in play for Eddie Rosario, Michael Brantley, or Marcell Ozuna? Brantley would be up there in age and also have the injury questions McCutchen carries, while Ozuna is coming off an MVP caliber season in Atlanta.
Rosario won’t get on base as efficiently as McCutchen, but he’s five years younger with more upside and power. After making $7.75 million in arbitration last year, Rosario will certainly come at a lower price compared to McCutchen.
If the Phillies are able to trade McCutchen, they stand to get a decent return, whether it’s prospects or a major league player. Could Rosario’s former team the Minnesota Twins look to fill their left field spot with McCutchen? Starting pitcher Michael Pineda has had his share of issues and injuries, but he’s coming off a strong 2020 season with $10 million left on his contract.
With Brett Gardner going into free agency, are the Yankees looking to fill a hole in left with a McCutchen reunion, or are they finally handing the keys to former Indians prospect Clint Frazier?
Next. Zack Wheeler on the trade block. dark
It wouldn’t be the end of the world if the Phillies kept or traded McCutchen, but there are certainly pros and cons for each side. Trading him gets the team younger and gives them salary flexibility, but moving on rids the team of a quality player and fan favorite. It’s one of the many questions Philadelphia’s front office faces in an unprecedented offseason.