Andrew McCutchen has reportedly been traded to the New York Yankees according to New York Post’s Joel Sherman and ESPN’s Buster Olney. The 31-year old center fielder is said to be traded for two prospects from the Yankee farm system. McCutchen already cleared waivers earlier in the month, thus making him eligible for trading. The move comes near the end of the waiver trade deadline of August 31st.
Who Is On The Move?
The Yankees would get a hold of the five-times All-Star and Gold Glove outfielder. As for the Giants, they will acquire two prospects. One of them is set to be Yankees’ Triple A infielder Abiatal Avelino. The second prospect involved in the trade is still unknown.
McCutchen, who spent his first nine years with the Pittsburgh Pirates until he joined the Giants this past January, has a .255 batting average, 15 home runs and 55 RBI in 2018.
Why Are They On The Move?
The Yankees have struggled in keeping up with the Red Sox as of late and McCutchen would be a big help. They are currently second in the A.L East, eight and a half games back. More importantly, Aaron Judge remains injured with a chip fracture on his right wrist. The Giants’ outfielder will most likely be his new replacement while injured.
The Giants have fallen out of the National League playoff race at a rapid pace. Trading McCutchen is certainly a wise move as there is not much to compete for back on the West Coast. The Giants are one game under .500 (67-68). Not only that, but they are eight games away from the leading Diamondbacks.
Who Got The Upper Hand?
As of right now, the Yankees got a better value for the trade. Not only did they get a solid replacement for Judge, they also deepen their roster for the postseason. Cutch could serve as a dangerous pinch hitter and a solid bench player as fatigue kicks in during October. He might just be a rental player for the Yankees, but he is in fact a very good one.