The Philadelphia Phillies have upgraded the outfield. It was reported on Tuesday that they agreed to terms with Andrew McCutchen.
The Andrew McCutchen deal is for three years — plus a club option — and $50 million, according to sources.
— Matt Gelb (@MattGelb) December 11, 2018
It’s not quite signing Bryce Harper, whom Philadelphia has been linked to. Given that he’s 32, three years for Cutch is a bit risky. But in the short term, this is a good move for the Phillies.
Philadelphia’s right fielders struggled in 2018, hitting .225/.318/.374 with 20 home runs. McCutchen, meanwhile, hit .255/.368/.424 with 20 home runs for the San Francisco Giants and New York Yankees.
It’s not yet known what this means for Philadelphia’s pursuit of Harper. But the Phillies reportedly remain very much in on both Manny Machado and pitcher J.A. Happ.
Signing McCutchen would not preclude the Phillies from signing Machado. They remain on J.A. Happ, as well.
— Jim Salisbury (@JSalisburyNBCS) December 11, 2018
We certainly expect to hear more from Philadelphia during the offseason.