Phillies: 3 players who could be dealt in salary dump trades
By Matt Rappa
2. Andrew McCutchen
- 2021 Salary: $20 million
- 2022 Salary: $15 million team option, $3 million buyout
Five-time All-Star, four-time Silver Slugger, and one-time MVP and Gold Glover Andrew McCutchen is on the final year of his three-season, $50 million pact with the Phillies.
An extremely popular player both among his teammates and fans, there is no doubt that McCutchen brings much more to the organization than just his play on the field. But, the 34-year-old is far from his perennial All-Star days with the Pittsburgh Pirates. Perhaps, McCutchen is also a ways away from his first season with the Phillies even, prior to his devastating ACL injury.
McCutchen saw a dip in batting average, on-base percentage, slugging percentage, and several other statistical categories, comparing his 2019 and 2020 seasons — playing in just two fewer games this past season while garnering only 21 fewer plate appearances.
The Phillies have plenty of outfielders to choose from to fill the left field void. Adam Haseley, Roman Quinn, Scott Kingery, and non-roster invitees are expected to battle things out this spring training for the center field job. Not to mention, Mickey Moniak and Simon Muzziotti are also outfielders on the 40-man roster. At some point, ideally, one of them should step up and compete for playing time at the big-league level as well.
After McCutchen walked 43 times in 2019, the frequent leadoff hitter walked just 22 times in 2020. Should the Phillies “hedge” their bets on McCutchen now and try to shed most of his at least $23 million owed?