How Andrew McCutchen Deal Could Impact Bryan Reynolds (+)
Nearly five years ago today, the Pittsburgh Pirates made the unpopular move of trading the team’s face of the franchise in Andrew McCutchen to the San Francisco Giants.
In return, the Bucs acquired reliever Kyle Crick, some international bonus slot money and an outfield prospect by the name of Bryan Reynolds.
Half a decade later, after agreeing to a one-year deal, $5-million deal for the 2023 season with the 2013 N.L. MVP, both McCutchen and Reynolds will both be wearing a Pirates’ uniform at the same time — or will they?
It’s well known at this point that Reynolds requested to be traded by the Pirates earlier in the offseason.
A request the Pirates have been understandably hesitant to honor unless a team meets their high demands.
The feel-good story of the McCutchen reunion with the Pirates begs the question — Does it increase the likelihood of the Pirates trading Reynolds?
There’s an argument to be made for that possibility.
Pending a corresponding move to add McCutchen to the roster, the Pirates will have 10 outfielders on their current 40-man roster.
At least five of those guys including McCutchen, Reynolds, Jack Suwinski, Miguel Andújar and Connor Joe, project to make the club’s opening-day roster.
The McCutchen deal came as a surprise for a couple of reasons, one being the increasingly crowded outfield mix that added yet another option.
With the second outfield addition so far this offseason, could the Pirates be gearing up to subtract one from the mix?
Maybe this feel-good story in a reunion with the team’s most popular player of the 2000s is a precursor to a move that would be a tough pill to swallow in trading Reynolds.
There’s the old adage of “one giveth, and one taketh away.”
Then again, the signing of McCutchen could have no impact on the Pirates’ plans when it comes to Reynolds.
While McCutchen manned centerfield for the bulk of his career in Pittsburgh, at this stage in his career, he is better suited for a corner outfield spot when he’s not used as a designated hitter.
Outside of Reynolds and the front half of McCutchen’s career, none of the outfield options listed previously have much experience in centerfield.
The signing of McCutchen continues the Pirates’ theme throughout the duration of the offseason.
They have continued to add veterans who have reputations as strong leaders. McCutchen joins the likes of Rich Hill, Carlos Santana and Ji-Man Choi who are considered to have a strong clubhouse presence.
The Bucs have been making a concerted effort to try and get better this offseason after back-to-back 100-loss seasons. That plan takes a drastic step back with the potential of any Reynolds trade.
It’s hard to say for sure how much impact the signing could have on Reynolds’ situation and with where things currently stand, but arguments could be made on both sides.
For now, that trade from five years ago has come full circle as McCutchen and Reynolds can call each other teammates in Pittsburgh.
More about:PBN+