The Pirates Should Not Trade Andrew McCutchen

There are rampant speculation that the Pittsburgh Pirates may look to trade center fielder Andrew McCutchen this offseason. However, in my opinion, that would be a mistake.

No matter how you want to slice it, the 2016 season was the worst of Andrew McCutchen’s eight year Major League career. The Pirates’ center fielder had career lows in batting average, on-base percentage, slugging percentage, walk rate, wOBA, wRC+, and WAR in 2016. Additionally, he was arguably the worst defensive center fielder in all of baseball (-28 defensive runs saved).

Due to a combination of his struggles and his contract the rumors have started to pop up that the Pirates may look to trade McCutchen this offseason. In my opinion, this would be a huge mistake. And there is more than one reason that I believe it would be a mistake.

First off, let me address the contract talk. The reason his contract is fueling trade rumors is because he is a free agent after the 2018 season. The Pirates are unlikely to extend Andrew McCutchen past the 2018 season, therefore, trading him and getting something, in theory, makes more sense then losing him in free agency.

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Normally I would agree with this sentiment. However, when it is Andrew McCutchen you handle things a little differently. Not only is Andrew McCutchen the face of the Pirates franchise, he is also the leader of the clubhouse.

Another reason I would not shop Andrew McCutchen is due to the last two months he had. In August and September McCutchen compiled 244 plate appearances. During these 244 plate appearances he looked much more like Andrew McCutchen.

In these 244 plate appearances McCutchen slashed .284/.381/.471/.852 with a .365 wOBA and a 131 wRC+. Additionally he had an ISO of .188, he had a 13.9 percent walk rate, and a 14.8 percent strikeout rate. He also averaged a home run once every 27 plate appearances, which would put him on pace for 27 home runs over the course of a full season.

During his strong finish McCutchen looked much more comfortable and confident at the plate. He was also more patient, as evident by his increased walk rate and decreased strikeout rate. McCutchen also looked better and more athletic on the bases during this stretch.

The last reason I would not trade Andrew McCutchen this offseason is that Austin Meadows is not ready yet. Meadows is one of the ten best prospects in all of baseball. One day, and soon, he’ll be a great outfielder for the Pittsburgh Pirates. However, that day is not here yet.

It is possible that changes during the course of the 2017 season. If so, then I’d be more willing to trade McCutchen next offseason. However, Meadows’ time is not here quite yet.

There is one change I would make with Andrew McCutchen, though. That change is his defensive positioning. This is due to how poor of a defensive center fielder he has become.

I would shift Andrew McCutchen form center field to right field. To accommodate for this I would move Gregory Polanco to left field and Starling Marte to center field. In my opinion, this is the Pirates’ best defensive outfield.

Next: Trade Target: Drew Smyly

It would be a mistake for the Pirates to trade Andrew McCutchen this offseason. While he should no longer be playing center field, the team still needs his bat and leadership in 2017. I also do not expect the Pirates to trade McCutchen this offseason.