San Francisco Giants: Where Will Andrew McCutchen Play in 2019?
Andrew McCutchen is one of the newest members of the San Francisco Giants. Will his tenure in San Francisco last beyond 2018?
The San Francisco Giants are going for it. After finishing tied for the worst record in 2017, they are determined to earn back our respect. It began with a trade for Evan Longoria and most recently included a deal to acquire Andrew McCutchen.
While Longoria has a few years left on his contract, McCutchen is a free agent after 2018. Set to make $14.5 million this upcoming campaign, McCutchen is a player with a long and impressive resume who should get a pretty good payday next winter. Due to this, the Giants may not have the financial means to retain him.
The Giants aren’t afraid to spend money, but they do have their limits. With several players already locked into deals well over the $10 million mark, the Giants will easily enter the 2019 season with one of the league’s highest payrolls. Buster Posey, Johnny Cueto, and Jeff Samardzija alone will cost them about $60 million.
Hope for the San Francisco Giants
If keeping McCutchen is a priority, there is some noticeable flexibility. Hunter Pence is also in the final year of his contract. At $18.5 million in 2018, the Giants seem able to shift those finances over to McCutchen.
An $18.5 million annual average is a good guess as to what McCutchen may earn. He’s apparently on the decline. Based on this current offseason’s struggles for free agents, it’s hard to imagine him topping $20 million. At the absolute most I see him earning per year what Pence will take home in 2018.
Other Options
Even if McCutchen sees his numbers drop in San Francisco, plenty of teams should have interest. He’s not a consistent All-Star at this stage. However, he will deliver 20 home runs and 80 RBI even in a down year. His bat, while slowing, still has proficiency.
One concern any team should have for McCutchen moving forward is how well he holds up defensively. Once a Gold Glove-winning center fielder, McCutchen will spend the rest of his career hidden in the corners. The Giants already intend to use him as their right fielder with Pence shifting to left field. This change shouldn’t limit him to American League teams. As a corner outfielder, McCutchen isn’t dreadful.
It’s hard to know exactly where McCutchen will land in 2019. If the San Diego Padres shock the world and suddenly become competitive, they could target just about anyone. Assuming all teams stay status quo makes predictions far easier.
Unless he is a complete bust, I do see the San Francisco Giants making some effort at retaining McCutchen. They will need the outfield help. McCutchen is also a great locker room presence. It comes down to how everything goes this upcoming season.
A clear picture
Until the 2018 season ends, the clear picture of where McCutchen will play the following year is a mystery. Since we do know which players are headed toward free agency with him, we can make some assumptions as to where openings may become available.
Using this information, there are a few teams I could see McCutchen suiting up for.
Cleveland Indians
The cost-conscious Cleveland Indians may find a bargain when hunting for star power next winter. They are in danger of losing Michael Brantley and Lonnie Chisenhall to free agency. Now, this leaves them in search of some outside help.
To make up for their potential loss, they could target McCutchen with the plan to eventually use him in a DH role once Edwin Encarnacion’s contract expires. He’d be an upgrade over those two and provide the Indians with a more extensive window to compete before the core leaves and/or ages.
Seattle Mariners
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There’s no telling how long Nelson Cruz will play baseball. The veteran slugger turns 38 this summer and has shown no signs of slowing down. Just because he hasn’t crashed yet doesn’t mean the Mariners won’t consider McCutchen as his eventual replacement in the DH role.
In the meantime, if they play together on the same roster for a year or two, McCutchen can continue to put his glove to work. The Mariners are taking plenty of risks with their outfield. As a right-handed hitter, McCutchen would also help balance things a little better.
Washington Nationals
The Washington Nationals look like an ideal fit for McCutchen. Bryce Harper is unlikely to stay for the long haul, leaving the Nationals without an experienced right fielder for 2019. While they could employ an outfield of Adam Eaton, Michael Taylor, and top prospect Victor Robles, veteran help would go a long way.
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The Nationals will need to make wise free agent decisions in the coming years. Thus far, they haven’t been burned by any major deals. Signing McCutchen could backfire, but also give them a great alternative to Harper.