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MLB Trade Rumors: 5 players Rangers should acquire

By Nicholas Ian Allen

Apr 28, 2017; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Brewers left fielder Ryan Braun (8) high fives teammates after hitting a home run during the fifth inning against the Atlanta Braves at Miller Park. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 28, 2017; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Brewers left fielder Ryan Braun (8) high fives teammates after hitting a home run during the fifth inning against the Atlanta Braves at Miller Park. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports /
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May 3, 2017; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates center fielder Andrew McCutchen round the bases after hitting a two-run home run against the Cincinnati Reds during the seventh inning at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: David Kohl-USA TODAY Sports
May 3, 2017; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates center fielder Andrew McCutchen round the bases after hitting a two-run home run against the Cincinnati Reds during the seventh inning at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: David Kohl-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Andrew McCutchen, OF, Pirates

Andrew McCutchen’s production dropped off considerably in 2016, and to say McCutchen has been bad this year would be an understatement. Last season, Cutch hit .256/.336/.430 — his worst in each category since he debuted in 2009 — with 24 home runs, 79 RBI and a career low six stolen bases. He also struck out a career high 143 times, including a career worst 21.2 percent strikeout rate.

This year, those numbers have fallen even farther. In 46 games, McCutchen has hit .203/.274/.360 with six home runs and 20 RBI. He is stealing more (five steals in six attempts), but McCutchen has actually performed at a below replacement level thus far. He has a -0.1 fWAR, .277 wOBA, 70 wRC+ and 66 OPS+. For those not well versed in the advanced metrics, those are all very bad. He’s also not great in the field anymore.

However, as we mentioned early in the week when we listed McCutchen as a potential fit for the Nationals, a change of scenery would give the former MVP a fresh start with a new club, and could potentially help him regain some of the value he’s lost over the past two seasons.

McCutchen’s contract includes a $14.75 million team option for next season, with just a $1 million buyout, so the Bucs may be tempted to cut him loose anyway at the end of the year if he continues to struggle so terribly at the plate (though it’s still pretty unlikely).

If another team offers something of value, and Pittsburgh is out of the postseason race, the Pirates would probably pull the trigger. Plus, should the Rangers be the team that makes the best offer, Texas wouldn’t be on the hook for a long-term commitment if McCutchen doesn’t regain form. It’s a no-lose situation for the Rangers, especially if McCutchen is willing to give left field a try.

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