Pittsburgh Pirates: Possible Andrew McCutchen Trade Destinations
By Tim Boyle
Seattle Mariners
The Seattle Mariners enter this upcoming offseason with a few needs at major positions. First base is a question mark as is center field. Although they do currently have a few options for both on the roster, they may want to go with a bigger name.
McCutchen would be a wonderful addition to the Mariners. His right-handed stick matches perfectly with the Robinson Cano, Nelson Cruz, Kyle Seager trio. McCutchen could conceivably hit in front of Cano or behind Seager to help break up the possibility of too many lefties in a row.
Far more important to the Mariners’ hopes at ending the playoff drought, McCutchen is a terrific ball player and former MVP. He’s not at all what he used to be, but should continue to put together a few more productive years.
Since McCutchen is now in the last year of his contract, one can expect the Pirates to lower the asking price by just a hair. It’s unlikely they keep him beyond 2018. So, rather than only gain a supplemental draft pick, they would benefit from dealing him away and bringing in a couple of young players.
Something major needs to change in Seattle. Felix Hernandez’s career has been a waste and all of these productive seasons from the core have led to nothing. McCutchen won’t guarantee a playoff spot, but his presence surely increases the odds.