The San Francisco Giants’ top priority this winter is to add some pop to an underwhelming lineup. After finishing last season with just 128 homers en route to a 64-98 record, this seems pretty obvious.
And while the Giants have primarily been linked to reigning NL MVP Giancarlo Stanton, the team is keeping its options open. According to this one report, San Francisco is in contact with the Pittsburgh Pirates about former NL MVP Andrew McCutchen.
Source: #SFGiants have remained in contact with #Pirates on Andrew McCutchen, who is among options they could pursue if they do not acquire Giancarlo Stanton from #Marlins. @MLB @MLBNetwork
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) November 29, 2017
McCutchen, 31, has long been on the trade block. But the Pirates have decided against moving their franchise player over the past couple seasons. The five-time All-Star is coming off a 2016 campaign that saw him hit .279 with 28 homers and 88 RBI while posting a solid .363 OBP.
He would be a cheaper alternative to Stanton in terms of both financial cost and prospects heading the other way. As to where the Marlins’ slugger has $295 million remaining on his deal, McCutchen is set to make $14.5 million in the final year of his contract in 2018.