4 contracts the Philadelphia Phillies could unload before 2022

Should the Phillies pick up Andrew McCutchen’s option?

Andrew McCutchen is one of the most popular players in the game, and had a great season in the final year of his three-year, $50 million deal.

The outfielder, who turned 35 on October 10, hit 27 home runs – the most since his final season in Pittsburgh in 2017 – and drove in 80 RBI in 144 games. He hit multiple grand slams after not hitting one since 2017.

The downside? Cutch also had the lowest batting average (.222) and strikeout rate (23%) of his career, and second-lowest on-base percentage (.334). And despite McCutchen still having a lot in the tank offensively, he struggled defensively. In left field, he had a -8 defensive runs saved and -4 outs above average.

The Phillies have a club option on Cutch for 2022, which would cost them $15 million. Or, they can buy him out for $3 million.

If the upcoming CBA negotiations involve the National League getting designated hitters again, the Phillies are more likely to bring McCutchen back. His leadership and veteran experience are key for a team with a lot of struggling youngsters, as is his clutch bat.