Philadelphia Phillies 2021 player grades: Andrew McCutchen

Andrew McCutchen’s offense power in 2021 wasn’t enough to convince the Phillies to pick up his 2022 option

When the Philadelphia Phillies signed Andrew McCutchen prior to the 2019 season, they added a veteran leader who, combined with J.T. Realmuto and prized free agent Bryce Harper, could lead the Phillies to the post-season. As it turned out, McCutchen missed two-thirds of the season due to injury and the Phillies went nowhere fast. After a COVID-19 shortened 2020, McCutchen was set to put in a full season in 2021.

Let’s take a look at how he fared:

McCutchen started out of the gate slowly, hitting .154 with six strikeouts in his first 13 at-bats.  He finished the month with a lower slugging percentage (.247) than on-base percentage (.301) and hit an anemic .169 with a home run and eight RBI.

May started out strong for McCutchen, belting a home run against the Mets on May 2. He followed with a two-home run game against the Brewers two days later. That started a seven-game hitting streak in which McCutchen went 10-for-25. Although he cooled off and ended the month hitting .227, McCutchen launched six home runs and knocked in 13.

McCutchen started the month of June on fire, going 2-for-3 with two home runs in a 17-3 rout of the Reds. Over the first six games, McCutchen went 8-for-18 with three home runs and eight RBI. He had seven multi-hit games during the month and finished June with a .301 average, six home runs, 20 RBI, and an OPS of 1.027.

Although his batting average was a pedestrian .244 in July, McCutchen had three multi-hit games and continued the power surge with seven home runs, 17 RBI, and an OPS of .906. Having not played a full season since 2018 could have taken its toll on the 13-year veteran, as McCutchen’s numbers dwindled significantly over the last two months of the season. He hit only .154 in August and .213 in September with a combined six home runs and 20 RBI.

All told, McCutchen’s season offensively was a mixed bag. On the positive, he regained the power he had in his prime, hitting 27 home runs (3rd highest season total of his career), 24 doubles, and 80 walks. However, McCutchen’s .222 average was by far the lowest of his career.

Defensively, McCutchen committed four errors, the most since 2017, and his fielding percentage of .980 was the lowest of his career. Once an outstanding outfielder, McCutchen was serviceable at best, with a dWAR of -1.3.

There is debate whether or not McCutchen returns to the Phillies next season. If the NL goes to the DH, the chances are higher. As for 2021, McCutchen’s power secured at least an average overall season.

Andrew McCutchen’s 2021 season grade: C+