Pittsburgh Pirates trade Andrew McCutchen to San Francisco Giants
By David Hill
A long expected trade has happened, as the Pittsburgh Pirates have traded former MVP Andrew McCutchen to the San Francisco Giants.
It was expected to happen. After all, the Pittsburgh Pirates had already traded Gerrit Cole, pushing the rebuild into gear. As Andrew McCutchen had already been the subject of trade rumors virtually throughout 2017, it was a matter of time before he would be shipped elsewhere.
That day happened on Monday. The Pirates finally pulled the trigger, sending McCutchen to the San Francisco Giants. In exchange, the Pirates are getting back former top prospect Kyle Crick and minor league outfielder Bryan Reynolds.
Confirmed: Bryan Reynolds and Kyle Crick to Pittsburgh for McCutchen. Unclear if there is any money being exchanged. Doesn't appear to be.
— Andrew Baggarly (@extrabaggs) January 15, 2018
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After a down 2016 campaign, McCutchen began to look like himself once again in 2017. The former National League MVP posted a solid .279/.363/.486 batting line, hitting 28 homers and stealing 11 bases. Although that production was not back to the level of his All Star seasons, McCutchen proved that he still had a bit left in the tank.
In return, the Pirates get back, at least, the enigmatic Crick. The former first round draft pick in the 2011 MLB Amateur Draft, Crick had been considered a top 100 prospect from 2013 through 2017. However, his progress has been hindered by a lack of command, as Crick allowed 321 walks in his 478.2 minor league innings. Crick made his major league debut last season as a reliever, posting a 3.06 ERA and a 1.206 WHiP in 32.1 innings, striking out 28 batters while issuing 17 walks. The hope here has to be that Ray Searage will work his magic, and help Crick reign in his arsenal.
Reynolds may well be the key to the deal. The fourth overall prospect in the Giants system, the 2nd round draft pick in the 2016 MLB Amateur Draft had a solid performance last year. In his first year in full season ball, Reynolds posted a .312/.364/.462 batting line, hitting 26 doubles and ten homers in 540 plate appearances.
Naturally, the Pirates are being panned for the return in this deal. The problem is, McCutchen is not the same player he had been in his All Star years. He did put together an excellent .308/.394/.528 batting line after June 1, hitting 20 homers and stealing six bases. But can San Francisco be certain that they are getting that player for the coming year?
Meanwhile, there is no question that San Francisco is going for it in 2018. In addition to acquiring the one year rental in McCutchen, the Giants have also brought in Even Longoria, seeking to improve their lineup. And San Francisco may not be done, given those on going questions about their outfield. As they have yet to part with any of their better prospects, it may be that another trade could be in the works.
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The Pittsburgh Pirates have finally made their long anticipated trade, moving Andrew McCutchen. Although the return may be considered fairly underwhelming, it may be the best they could have done.