After a strong offseason for the Pittsburgh Pirates, there is one noticeable absence at their spring training: Andrew McCutchen. The former Pirates star struggled last season, finishing with just 0.1 WAR and a career-low 95 OPS+. However, despite his struggles, McCutchen has made it clear that he wants to return for another year with the team. Unfortunately, Pittsburgh has not yet made a move to bring him back.
But while the Pirates have yet to make a move, another team has emerged as a potential landing spot for McCutchen: the Atlanta Braves. And for both McCutchen and the Braves, this could be the perfect fit.
McCutchen, who spent the majority of his career with the Pirates, was traded to the San Francisco Giants in 2018. After a brief stint with the Giants, he was then traded to the New York Yankees in 2018. However, he found himself back with the Pirates in 2019, where he struggled to find his footing.
But despite his struggles, McCutchen has proven himself to be a valuable player in the past. He is a five-time All-Star, a former National League MVP, and a Gold Glove winner. And at just 34 years old, he still has plenty of gas left in the tank.
So why would the Braves be the perfect fit for McCutchen? For starters, the Braves are in need of outfield depth. With the recent news of Jurickson Profar’s second doping saga, the Braves are now without a key player in their outfield. This leaves a gap that McCutchen could easily fill.
But it’s not just about filling a gap in the roster. McCutchen’s experience and leadership could be invaluable to the young Braves team. He has been in the league for over a decade and has seen it all. His presence in the clubhouse could help guide the younger players and provide a veteran voice in the locker room.
And let’s not forget about McCutchen’s on-field performance. While he may have struggled last season, he has proven time and time again that he is a reliable and consistent player. With a career batting average of .285 and an OPS+ of 130, McCutchen could provide a much-needed boost to the Braves’ offense.
But it’s not just about what McCutchen can bring to the Braves. The Braves could also be the perfect fit for McCutchen. The team is coming off a successful season, winning the National League East and making it to the NLCS. They have a strong core of young players and a winning culture. Joining a team with such potential could be just what McCutchen needs to revitalize his career.
In addition, the Braves play in the National League, where McCutchen has spent the majority of his career. This familiarity with the league and its pitchers could give him an advantage on the field.
Of course, there are still some obstacles that need to be overcome for this potential partnership to become a reality. The Braves would need to make a move to acquire McCutchen, and the Pirates would need to be willing to part ways with him. But with the recent news of Profar’s suspension, the Braves may be more motivated to make a move for McCutchen.
In conclusion, while Andrew McCutchen may not be with the Pirates at spring training, he could find a new home with the Atlanta Braves. With his experience, leadership, and on-field performance, he could be the missing piece for the Braves as they look to make another deep playoff run. And for McCutchen, joining a successful team with a winning culture could be just what he needs to revitalize his career. Only time will tell if this potential partnership will become a reality, but one thing is for sure: McCutchen would be an ideal fit for the Braves.