By Jordan Long
The San Francisco Giants are fading in the National League West and Wild Card race. They are 62-64, 7 games back of the Arizona Diamondbacks in the National League West. In the Wild Card standings they are 7 games behind a playoff spot. Since they look like they aren’t going to make a playoff push, they have placed outfielder Andrew McCutchen on waivers which could lead to a trade.
McCutchen is in his first year with the Giants. He was traded during the offseason from the Pittsburgh Pirates to the San Francisco Giants. This was in hopes of him helping the Giants on offense and improving on their 64-98 record in 2017.
It hasn’t worked out. McCutchen is hitting .257 with 14 home runs and 53 RBI’s. His power hitting hasn’t been there although he has not hit less than 20 home runs since 2010 with the Pirates. The way McCutchen is smacking the ball it is possible he won’t hit more than 20 home runs this season. He isn’t seeing the ball as well and is swinging at pitches outside the zone which have equaled 114 strike outs.
The only part of his game the Giants can trust his is fielding. He has played right field in 120 games. McCutchen is able to catch the baseball without dropping it and throw runners out trying to advance. He has 2 errors and 8 outfield assists.
The Giants need to see what the trade market is for McCutchen. At least they can try to receive something back for him.
A team in the playoff hunt will want him because of what he brings on offense and defense. Even though his numbers are down this year, McCutchen is still able to hit on base, smack home runs, and drive in his teammates. On defense, he rarely drops the ball and his strong arm picks runners off trying to advance.
McCutchen should have a fresh start with a team in the playoff hunt. He wants to win a World Series ring and it wouldn’t happen with the Giants this year. McCutchen can be a difference maker in the postseason. Hopefully a team will take that chance.
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