Phils Sign an Outfielder - No, Not That One

The Phillies outfield got better today when the team announced the signing of Andrew McCutchen to a 3-year, $50 million contract.

McCutchen, 32, is a former NL MVP and isn't the player he was 5 years ago. But he's still pretty good. He's a career .287 hitter with a .378 OBP and an OPS of .879. He's hit 20 or more home runs every season since 2011 with at least 65 RBIs every year in that same span. Over the last 2 years, he's slashed .267/.366/.455 last and averaged 30 doubles and 24 home runs.

And he plays every day. He averages 155 games per season, compared to free agent Bryce Harper, who has averaged 132 games per season for his career. And since Harper joined the Nationals in 2012, his career WAR is 27.2. McCutchen's WAR during that time is 30.4.

And McCutchen is a great human being. He was beloved in Pittsburgh during his time with the Pirates and gives the Phils veteran leadership in the clubhouse. He's a mensch. They got a great person when they signed him.

McCutchen is now the Phillies best outfielder. Look for the 5-time all-star to play right field, with Roman Quinn in center and Odubel Herrera or Nick Williams in left. I'm thinking this takes the Phils out of the running for Harper, but Manny Machado is still a target. And it leaves other intriguing options.

They could offer the Marlins a combination of Herrera/Williams, front-line pitching prospect Adonis Medina, and Jorge Alfaro for catcher JT Realmuto, who desperately wants out of Miami. Maybe even add outfield prospect Adam Haseley to sweeten the deal.

Or, they could package Herrera/Williams, Sixto Sanchez, Medina, Haseley, and top infield prospect Luis Garcia to the Angels for Philadelphia Eagles superfan Mike Trout. I'd take Trout over Harper every single day of the week.

At first, I was kind of "meh" about the McCutchen deal. But the more I think about it, the more I like it. He's what they wanted Carlos Santana to be, but with better numbers. And he's a solid citizen. He'll be an instant leader on this young club and improves the lineup.

Speaking of lineups, how does this look?
Quinn CF
Seguara SS
McCutchen RF
Hoskins 1B
Franco 3B
Alfaro C
Herrera LF
Hernandez 2B