MLB 2017: One X-factor for each team

Pittsburgh Pirates: OF Andrew McCutchen

McCutchen’s disappointing 2016 season (.256, 24 home runs, 79 RBI, six stolen bases) was a reflection of the Pirates disappointing campaign (78-83 record), while bringing a litany of offseason trade rumors that didn’t come to fruition. The fact a few teams had interest in trading for him, even off a down year, points to how good McCutchen has been and the belief he will bounce back this year.

After clear signs of decline defensively as well last season, and apparently without his blessing about it, McCutchen will move to right field this season and Starling Marte will take over as Pittsburgh’s regular center fielder. Trade rumors aren’t likely to go away either, despite some back-and-forth on the topic from Pirates’ general manager Neil Huntington, as McCutchen is entering the final fully guaranteed year of his contract with a team option for 2018.

If the Pirates return to playoff contention in 2017, a nice rebound season in all facets from McCutchen is sure to be front and center. If mediocrity reigns again, or things trend downward further, McCutchen’s performance may be the clearest sign of that too. For what it’s worth, and it’s surely subject to change for any number of reasons, Pirates’ manager Clint Hurdle has already said McCutchen will hit third in the lineup this year.