Does Andrew McCutchen Do Anything For You?

[Lou Hennessy]

The Twins failed to secure any of the top right-handed bats on the free agent market. Could they look to a former MVP to marginally improve their offense?

He may not be the superstar that he once was, but Andrew McCutcheon does something that this front office loves: he raises the floor.

Image courtesy of © Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

 

At the onset of the off-season, the Minnesota Twins were in dire need of a big, right-handed bat that could be penciled into the middle of the lineup for the 2023 season and beyond. Carlos Correa was their primary target, but all signs seem to indicate he is landing elsewhere.

Not only that, but many of their fallback options to fit that role were signed by other teams in the meantime. While Joey Gallo is a solid, albeit misplaced addition from the left-handed side of the batter’s box, the club could still use a reinforcement on the other side of the plate. 

Enter Andrew McCutchen. 

 

He certainly fits this front office’s pattern of finding veteran hitters whose market isn’t developing as fruitfully as they’d like. But could the former MVP make a positive impact if he were to land with the Twins? His 2022 was rather unexciting, but he is only one year removed from a 27-home run season and has had a great clubhouse reputation throughout his career.

Is that enough to make unsatisfied Twins fans forget about Correa? Of course not. But the former star shortstop is all but gone. As Ferris Buehler said: you’re still here? It’s over. Go home.

The question isn’t whether McCutchen would be better than Correa. But rather, how much of an improvement would he be over their current fourth-outfielder options such as Gilberto Celestino and Kyle Garlick.

These two are currently the only other right-handed outfield options beyond Byron Buxton. With the assumption that the star centerfielder will need to see some time at designated hitter and on the bench entirely, their backup plans need to be solidified. Gallo presents a solid defender in center field when that happens, but it would be prudent to have a capable right-handed hitter slide into a corner outfield spot should the opposing pitcher be a southpaw. 

McCutchen shouldn’t be counted on to hold a majority share of an outfield platoon. After all, he only saw 53 games in the field last season, with his remaining 82 games played coming from the designated hitter slot.

However, it wouldn’t be unreasonable to count on him for spot starts in the field. Despite his -11 outs above average over the last three years, he still possessed speed in the 90th percentile in 2022. He may not be the show-stealing, defensive star that he once was, but maybe he could thrive in a supporting role if he’s willing to accept it at this stage of his career.

Celestino presents a younger internal option that has had little success offensively so far in his major league career (.222/.292/.300, 71 wRC+) and has been relatively neutral on defense (0 OAA, -2.4 UZR). Those uninspiring numbers mixed with his lapses in judgment that became all too familiar in 2022 signify that he could use more seasoning at Triple-A.

Garlick was rather great as a strict, right-handed platoon in the outfield (.243/.305/.500, 128 wRC+ vs. left-handed pitchers). But he too was limited by injuries in 2022, and was slightly worse than Celestino on defense (-3 OAA, -3.3 UZR). 

Again, McCutchen didn’t have his finest season in 2022, as made evident by his .237/.316/.384 (98 wRC+) slashline on the year. But that overall figure includes a disastrous first eight weeks of the season. From June 5th on, McCutchen had a stellar .252/.343/.427 (118 wRC+) and appeared in nearly every game for the Brewers. That line is spot-on when compared to his combined slashline of .244/.352/.436 (114 wRC+) from 2018-2021.

His performance against lefties after getting back on track starting on June 6th was exactly what the Twins could use in 2023 and beyond. He hit a whopping .245/.345/.479 (131 wRC+) against southpaws from that point on. If the Twins could get that version to show up in a potentially more-limited role, it would be a huge boost to the offense. 

That’s a big if for a player going into their age-36 season. While he’s a fun player to root for with some upside, there’s still plenty of red flags when it comes to his fit with the Twins. Whether it’s his age, diminishing defensive metrics, his inability to hit sliders or lack of true star-level upside, McCutchen is far from a perfect player.

Not to mention, the Twins decision-makers have a reputation for sticking with a struggling veteran for far too long in recent years, as was the case for players such as JA Happ, Matt Shoemaker and Andrelton Simmons. Would they be able to pull the plug if McCutchen got off to another horrid start?

It’s clear that McCutchen won’t save the Twins after they lost out on re-signing Correa. It’s a huge task to replace a superstar shortstop in the prime of their career. He’s not the big bat that the Twins desperately needed when the off-season began. But there is certainly a lot that the former MVP could do to marginally improve the team on the field and in the clubhouse. 

Does he do anything for you?

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[Trov]

As a replacement for Garlick I am fine with it.  He is a vet and known to be a good team guy.  As pointed out, he does not make the difference, but I would take him as a Garlick replacement, if he is fine being a platoon pinch hitting type guy. 

[tarheeltwinsfan]

How much would it cost the Twins to sign Cutch? Who would lose playing time if Cutch were signed? These 2 key questions need to be answered first.

[old nurse]

No. The grass isn’t greener. The bar of free agency is closing, he isn’t ant prettier 

[farmerguychris]

Does Garlick still have options?  If so - why not take a chance to see if he bounces back?  My only request is if he starts off slow - don't be afraid to pull the plug on him and move on before June.

[mike8791]

NO, raising the floor should not be a priority at this time.  Agree, FO whiffed badly on not bolstering the lineup with  guys like Abreu or Hill,  This offense looks average at best unless everything breaks right - limited injuries, bounce-back seasons, etc.  I'd rather the FO concentrate on adding at least one needle-mover than someone like McCutcheon. That's a very tough job now at this stage of the offseason but the Wonder Boys put themselves in this spot.   Nibblin' around the edges is not the ticket to restoring fan interest..

[Minny505]

Sure. We could probably do better in a trade, but he is likely an upgrade on Garlick from a total value perspective.

And, as noted, he has a Nelson Cruz-like reputation in the clubhouse. 

[mikelink45]

No - for the same reason I rant about signing Gallo - these guys do not make us better.  Our only chance for improvement is in the young guys.   Let them play, move the deadwood and get all the young players in to sort things out.  We are not going to sign the big star (Correa and Boras played us) and thus we need a different strategy.  Look at how Cleveland chose youth, speed, fielding, and pitching to carry them into the playoffs. 

[hitterscount]

This would be another exciting game changing move by the FO, right along the lines of the Gallo signing. I honestly don't understand what their plan is with the OF. 

At this point unless trades are made that really move the needle go with the younger players and see what they can do. Most of the top prospects are old enough to either sink or swim. It's time to see if Kirloff, Larnach Miranda, Lewis, Wallner and some of the pitchers are going to be impactful, The season is shaping up to be another bust so might as well go all in.    

[Otaknam]

I cannot see any viable plan for 2023 from the FO. Maybe as a replacement for Garlick McCutcheon works. But the Gallo signing was a head scratcher given all the young lefty hitting outfielders now on the roster. The FO seems to be chaotically reaching for life preservers right now. 

[Brock Beauchamp]

Nope, hard pass. I watched him for the Brewers a lot last season. There's a chance he rebounds but he was acquired to be a lefty masher - the same role the Twins need this season - and McCutchen promptly posted a .738 OPS against LHP.

[MarcF]

Absolutely yes. Great guy, a hustler who knows how to hit, though his prime is clearly behind him. He can teach younger players how to be a 'team', and how to run the bases better, and he has a super attitude. Look at it this way....he's already better than Gallo without playing one game. Given the option of Cutch as a DH or pinch hitter vs. Gallo, there is no option. 

[Doctor Gast]

I'd be for it, if we hadn't signed Gallo. Larnach, Kiriloff & Kepler trade values are down, I wouldn't want to trade any of them at this point. But with Gallo signed we can't trade him until June and we are forced to trade Kepler. Only way I'd consider McCutchen now is if we find good trades on Kepler & Wallner.

[terrydactyls]

When cherry picking stats from June 5th (or 6th - you used two different starting points), you state that he put up "stellar" overall numbers of .252/.343/.427 and against LH pitchers a "whopping" .245/.345/.479.  First, I would say that neither of these slash lines is "stellar" or "whopping" and second, to me it seems that these numbers show a lower batting average against lefties, statistically the same on-base %, and a little higher slugging percentage (probably three to six additional XB hits).  I fail to see any superiority to Garlic.

[Coach Wheels]

2 hours ago, Trov said:

As a replacement for Garlick I am fine with it.  He is a vet and known to be a good team guy.  As pointed out, he does not make the difference, but I would take him as a Garlick replacement, if he is fine being a platoon pinch hitting type guy. 

I agree. He replaces Garlick and Celestino because Kiriloff can play CF for 70 games when Buxton is hurt. (Assuming he's not on the IL at the same time as Buxton).

[Lou Hennessy]

38 minutes ago, terrydactyls said:

When cherry picking stats from June 5th (or 6th - you used two different starting points), you state that he put up "stellar" overall numbers of .252/.343/.427 and against LH pitchers a "whopping" .245/.345/.479.  First, I would say that neither of these slash lines is "stellar" or "whopping" and second, to me it seems that these numbers show a lower batting average against lefties, statistically the same on-base %, and a little higher slugging percentage (probably three to six additional XB hits).  I fail to see any superiority to Garlic.

Not sure I'd call a four month stretch to finish a season "cherry picking" but your points are heard loud and clear. Like I said, I wouldn't expect him to carry the team, but he could marginally improve the lineup from the right side.

[DocBauer]

Not the guy I targeted, for sure. He's probably on my 3rd tier. But for 1yr and cheap, I'm at least interested. Not asking him to be a starter, just a good role player and clubhouse guy.

I'd like the idea more if I felt confident the 2021 version of him was what we'd see in 2023. But there are no guarantees. 

I think there's 2 better choices out there, but that's just my opinion. 

[Brock Beauchamp]

47 minutes ago, Lou Hennessy said:

Not sure I'd call a four month stretch to finish a season "cherry picking" but your points are heard loud and clear. Like I said, I wouldn't expect him to carry the team, but he could marginally improve the lineup from the right side.

It's not that it's cherry-picking - hell, I don't even trust L/R splits over a full season, much less a partial - but having watched McCutchen play quite a bit last season, he had a pretty strong cooked vibe at the plate.

Like I said, there's a chance he rebounds in 2023 but Milwaukee is a friendly place to hit and he didn't. I'd run with Garlick over acquiring McCutchen, though I want to see the Twins find a RHB outfielder better than both.

[KirbyDome89]

I was wondering how far down I'd have to scroll to see "former...." and "leadership," mentioned.

As it turns out, not very far. 

[Omardog]

In a word:  absolutely not.

[Valdespino]

This is the first time I’ve ever seen the word “whopping” and .245 batting average used together.  I like McCutcheon, but .245 is not whopping.

[jmlease1]

2 hours ago, Brock Beauchamp said:

It's not that it's cherry-picking - hell, I don't even trust L/R splits over a full season, much less a partial - but having watched McCutchen play quite a bit last season, he had a pretty strong cooked vibe at the plate.

Like I said, there's a chance he rebounds in 2023 but Milwaukee is a friendly place to hit and he didn't. I'd run with Garlick over acquiring McCutchen, though I want to see the Twins find a RHB outfielder better than both.

I think that's the biggest problem. he might just be cooked as a hitter. Might he do better over the course of the season in a reduced role, where he'd stay fresher and healthier, never being expected to play 130-140 games? Possibly, but it's definitely a gamble.

Is he an upgrade over Garlick? Maybe? He's going to be less helpless against righties...probably? He's going likely to be less effective against LHP. McCutcheon might actually be healthier?

[ashbury]

This is a signing that a bottom-feeder team makes.  I'm starting to think that's all the Twins aspire to, so, sure, why not. No. Yes. I don't care at the moment.

[LA VIkes Fan]

4 hours ago, DocBauer said:

Not the guy I targeted, for sure. He's probably on my 3rd tier. But for 1yr and cheap, I'm at least interested. Not asking him to be a starter, just a good role player and clubhouse guy.

I'd like the idea more if I felt confident the 2021 version of him was what we'd see in 2023. But there are no guarantees. 

I think there's 2 better choices out there, but that's just my opinion. 

 

4 hours ago, Lou Hennessy said:

Not sure I'd call a four month stretch to finish a season "cherry picking" but your points are heard loud and clear. Like I said, I wouldn't expect him to carry the team, but he could marginally improve the lineup from the right side.

This is the question - assuming McCutcheon could marginally raise the floor (a pretty big IF), should we try to get him? The answer depends on if we're possible contender where 2-3 wins could make the difference in making the playoffs or winning a series, or are we father away then that and thus should use this as a development year? I personally don't see a lot of upside to improving from 75-80 wins to 82-83 wins so we can say we're a contender. The mediocre middle is a bad place to be. Either try to contend or try to develop so you can contend sooner rather than later. Don't play for 3rd place instead of 4th. 

I'm the eternal optimist but I don't see this Twins team as a few wins away from contention.  We have a solid rotation missing a true #1, a decent bullpen that could improve to solid if we sign a Fullmer type, average defense (above average OF with a below average IF), and a below average hitting lineup which lacks speed and is short on power. That's your current 2023 Twins. Sounds like 75-85 wins depending on where we fall on the bad vs. perfect health spectrum. 

My view is play the young(ish) guys like Larnach, Kirilloff, Gordon, Miranda, and Lewis when he's ready, plus Wallner and Lee in the second half. Don't sign a McCutcheon type to take away ABs unless you really think we can contend. I don't. In fact, I see the only way to contend being to play the young guys and hope they fulfill their promise quickly.  Assuming health, get Miranda 600 plate appearances this year, 500+ for Gordon, Larnach and Kirilloff, and 250+ for Lewis, Lee and Wallner in the second half if you can. If possible and deserved by early performance, add Julien and Martin into the mix. Get 30 plus starts for Ryan and Ober, and 10-15 for Varland and SWR. Try to get Paddack back in the rotation for 8-10 starts after his TJ rehab. If that means trading vets at the deadline, moving Maeda to the BP, and/or living with a lesser defensive SS who hits while Farmer becomes the UTl who can play SS, do it. Most of these guys are 25 or 26, not 21 or 22.  Play them and play them this year. Live with the consequences. 

[cHawk]

McCutchen is 36 and declining. He will not improve our roster as it stands right now.

[High heat]

I like McCutchen and I like trey Mancini but you can’t take either in until you trade one of the current LH corner outfielders. You can’t have Garlick, Kepler gallo, Kirilloff, Gordon and larnach all on the roster and add another.

[Mike Sixel]

Nope

[DocBauer]

3 hours ago, LA VIkes Fan said:

 

This is the question - assuming McCutcheon could marginally raise the floor (a pretty big IF), should we try to get him? The answer depends on if we're possible contender where 2-3 wins could make the difference in making the playoffs or winning a series, or are we father away then that and thus should use this as a development year? I personally don't see a lot of upside to improving from 75-80 wins to 82-83 wins so we can say we're a contender. The mediocre middle is a bad place to be. Either try to contend or try to develop so you can contend sooner rather than later. Don't play for 3rd place instead of 4th. 

I'm the eternal optimist but I don't see this Twins team as a few wins away from contention.  We have a solid rotation missing a true #1, a decent bullpen that could improve to solid if we sign a Fullmer type, average defense (above average OF with a below average IF), and a below average hitting lineup which lacks speed and is short on power. That's your current 2023 Twins. Sounds like 75-85 wins depending on where we fall on the bad vs. perfect health spectrum. 

My view is play the young(ish) guys like Larnach, Kirilloff, Gordon, Miranda, and Lewis when he's ready, plus Wallner and Lee in the second half. Don't sign a McCutcheon type to take away ABs unless you really think we can contend. I don't. In fact, I see the only way to contend being to play the young guys and hope they fulfill their promise quickly.  Assuming health, get Miranda 600 plate appearances this year, 500+ for Gordon, Larnach and Kirilloff, and 250+ for Lewis, Lee and Wallner in the second half if you can. If possible and deserved by early performance, add Julien and Martin into the mix. Get 30 plus starts for Ryan and Ober, and 10-15 for Varland and SWR. Try to get Paddack back in the rotation for 8-10 starts after his TJ rehab. If that means trading vets at the deadline, moving Maeda to the BP, and/or living with a lesser defensive SS who hits while Farmer becomes the UTl who can play SS, do it. Most of these guys are 25 or 26, not 21 or 22.  Play them and play them this year. Live with the consequences. 

Can't disagree with you. The key to 2023 and beyond is getting healthy...an exhausted comment I know, but factual...and setting up the young talent to actually succeed.

I'm with you on that. I think most would agree. 

Where we might disagree, somewhat, is still trying to win as many games at the same time. And I don't think either approach is mutually exclusive. The rotation has a chance to be pretty good, and offers some young talent and young depth. The bullpen, especially with another quality addition, maybe two, has a chance to be good to great. But right now, there really is NO-ONE to fill the role of RH OF bat to augment the lineup and depth. Martin isn't ready yet, and I think most of us agree Celestino has the tools to be a solid overall player, but lacks polish and has been rushed. And neither, at this point, seems to be a power plant type of bat. (Maybe in time). And that's OK.

And yes, someone probably has to be moved in some sort of deal to alleviate the crowded picture in the OF. But a RH bat who might add a couple more wins still does, potentially, do exactly that, add a couple more wins. And said bat wouldnt/shouldn't necessarily be an every day performer who blocks the young LH bats. He'd be time sharing and filling a role. And I believe there's room to make that addition, flesh out the lineup options, competing for as many wins as possible, while still running with the young guys. 

[JD-TWINS]

10 hours ago, Doctor Gast said:

I'd be for it, if we hadn't signed Gallo. Larnach, Kiriloff & Kepler trade values are down, I wouldn't want to trade any of them at this point. But with Gallo signed we can't trade him until June and we are forced to trade Kepler. Only way I'd consider McCutchen now is if we find good trades on Kepler & Wallner.

Kepler has to be traded. Can’t sign Gallo with 3-4 other LH hitting corner outfielders behind him (Gordon - Walner - Kirilof - Larnach) & then keep Kepler as well.

Kepler - Celestino - Pagan together, maybe with a prospect if needed, for an arm is a great way to clarify our outfield options.

McCutchen may not mash LH pitching anymore but I’ll take his availability, his capabilities, & his leadership. I like him over Garlick. He could also displace Walner early in the year and then by July we decide if Garlick or McCutchen is our better option. He’s definitely worth the few million $ that we won’t be paying Kepler nor the FA pitchers we haven’t signed!

[VivaBomboRivera!]

Love watching him play. It is fair to say that he could contribute more than Garlick.

That said, we have to concede that his last truly outstanding season was 2017. It is likely there is just not enough upside left in him six seasons out from that, which would be sad...