In the 2019 offseason, during the Phillies buying spree of veteran free agents, the Phillies latched on to the aging outfielder, Andrew McCutchen, on a substantial 3yr/$50M contract. Cutch was 33 when he signed the deal, and the Phillies thought the former 2013 MVP still had reliable production, both offensively and defensively, left in the tank. After hitting a memorable leadoff homer to open the 2019 season, he was off to a decent start in Philly for an older veteran as a spark plug. Cutch then went down shortly after in June of ‘19 with a season-ending leg injury. He had a mediocre, shortened 2020 season, and fans expected the talent they once knew to be back in form for ‘21.
In the final year of his Philadelphia deal, Andrew McCutchen has not lived up to his 5x all-star expectations. Signs of aging in his play are clear and a continued decline in production is inevitable for the near 36-year old. Some players have a knack for it in old age in baseball, while others have a clear-cut prime. McCutchen looks to be the latter. His batting average leveled at .222, a drastic dip from his career of .280, and an underwhelming .334 OBP. Though, he did have some bright spots with flashes of power, raking 27 homers and 80 RBI. He didn’t hit for consistency like his career numbers suggest, but when he did hit it this year, it was probably leaving the yard. Andrew was particularly dreadful in his left field defensive role, tallying 8 total errors, a career high. The number isn’t exceptionally high, but it’s an inaccurate representation of his play. The vet looked far worse in left field than the numbers suggest.
Aside from his unsatisfactory play on both sides of the ball, McCutchen brought leadership and entertainment to the clubhouse. He took on the comical alias “Uncle Larry”, interacting with fans and the Phillie Fanatic. He even did things like play rock-paper-scissors on home run trots and have a catch during a game with a fan. It wouldn’t be right to disregard Cutch’s contributions to the clubhouse with his experience and lighthearted nature.
In a postseason interview, even Cutch admitted, “with the seasons that I’ve had here… I definitely felt that my performance personally wasn’t where I wanted it to be.” Andrew has a club option to be decided by the organization this offseason, but it’s pretty evident the Phillies are looking forward to getting the vet off the payroll. Fans would agree McCutchen’s been entertaining, but ultimately disappointing in his three years here.
throughout the years of watching baseball with my brother, he would always talk about how players are too old to play. I never realized what old meant until reading your article. as someone like a veteran like Suarez, it was likely that there would be nothing left in the tank after that contract was up. when the athlete gets old, everything slows down and ultimately gets worse. I like how you talked about these types of players, other than talking about the very famous players that we all see in baseball. this article gives another insight into how baseball works within its teams and how players can be added and taken out for the team. Loved reading your article!
When I saw “Phillies”, I immediately became interested because I am a die-hard Pittsburgh fan, but seeing McCutchen’s name was relieving. I remember when he was a hotshot playing for the Pittsburgh Pirates and I loved going to the games and cheering him on. Watching him play was so much fun and it’s unfortunate to see that his age has finally caught up with him. McCutchen will always be a Pittsburgh Pirate and we will always welcome him back! Nice work!