If the upcoming MLB CBA negotiations institute the Universal DH, the Philadelphia Phillies are more likely to select Andrew McCutchen’s option
In addition to the usual madness of the MLB offseason, the Philadelphia Phillies and other teams can look forward to the chaos of Collective Bargaining Agreement negotiations, as the current CBA is set to expire on December 1.
One of many issues on the docket is the return of the Universal DH, which NL clubs briefly enjoyed in the shortened 2020 season. Pitchers hit a collective .110 in 2021, the second-lowest in MLB history.
The re-implementation of the Universal DH would obviously benefit pitchers and lineups overall. It could also benefit a certain Phillies player who still has a lot left in the tank offensively, but not so much defensively:
The NL getting the DH in 2022 makes it far more likely that the Phillies pick up McCutchen’s option. His offensive success and defensive struggles in 2021 would make him a prime candidate for DH, if the Phillies are allowed to have one.
The Phillies are paying Cutch no matter what. They signed him to a lucrative three-year deal ahead of the 2019 season with a club option or buyout for 2022. His option would cost them $15 million, his buyout $3 million.
Defensively, McCutchen’s four errors tied for second-most among MLB left fielders this season. But offensively, he hit 27 home runs, his most in a season since 2017, and the third-most of any season in his 13-year career. In fact, he hit more home runs in fewer games than he did in six of his nine 20+ home run seasons.
Over 144 games, Cutch hit .222/.334/.444 with a .778 OPS, 24 doubles, a triple, 80 RBI, and 78 runs scored. He even hit multiple grand slams after not hitting one since 2017.
Without the rigor of defense, the 34-year-old McCutchen is less likely to get injured, and likely to experience continued, even increased success at the plate, something the Phillies certainly need.
Strategically, if 15 NL teams are suddenly in the market for a DH, the Phillies have an edge by already having a viable option under contract. If they pick up McCutchen’s option while their opponents are distracted trying to square up the DH position, the Phillies front office can focus on other areas that desperately need improvement, like building an entirely new bullpen.
If the Universal DH becomes a reality, eliminating the demands of the outfield would maximize the remaining years of McCutchen’s career and be an easy item to check off the Phillies’ lengthy offseason to-do list.