Andrew McCutchen could be the X-factor for Philadelphia Phillies

Andrew McCutchen is one of the best veterans in the game, and he could be a boost the Phillies need in 2020.

The Philadelphia Phillies have been rebuilding for what feels like an eternity, but even this shortened season might give them a chance to show how they’ve turned things around. Andrew McCutchen hasn’t truly had the opportunity to showcase what he can do with the Phillies, and this year he could be the final piece that brings it all together for the team.

When the Phils traded for McCutchen before the start of last season, everyone’s hopes were high, but an untimely torn ACL cut his first campaign in red and white short. Now, the centerfielder is ready to get back on the diamond, and his comeback will bring some much-needed consistency on both sides of the bat to the Phillies’ rotation.

McCutchen looked really promising in his limited showing last season. In 59 games, he had 10 home runs, 29 RBIs, and a respectable batting average of .256. Arguably his biggest strength was his speed and on-base percentage,  which ended up at .378. The Phillies are covered in the slugging category with studs like Bryce Harper, so McCutchen is the perfect complement to those strengths.

The pandemic has been something of a blessing for McCutchen, who likely wouldn’t have been healthy in time for the original start of the baseball season. Now, he’s had several extra months to recover and rebuild his strength and is expected to slot right into the Phillies’ lineup. A healthy, reliable veteran is exactly what the team needs to stabilize and become a legitimate factor this season.

The Phillies and their fans are desperate to get back to the postseason, something the franchise hasn’t done since 2011. McCutchen may not be the young MVP candidate he once was, but he has the right combination of traits that will make him a game-changer for the Phils this year. If he stays healthy, it’s playoffs or bust.