GIANTS GET McCUTCHEN FROM THE BUCS
The San Francisco Giants acquired outfielder Andrew McCutchen and cash from the Pittsburgh Pirates for pitcher Kyle Crick, outfielder Bryan Reynolds and international bonus pool money in 2017-18.
What does it give the San Francisco Giants
The Giants need more offense, which is something McCutchen can certainly provide. He is expected to hit in the middle of the order and produce runs for his new team. While he is a natural center-fielder, McCutchen is expected to play on an outfield corner in 2018. with Hunter Pence still around, look for McCutchen to patrol left field at AT&T Park. Reportedly, the Giants will also receive $2.5 million as part of this transaction.
What does it give the Pittsburgh Pirates
It is the end of an era in Pittsburgh, as McCutchen had become entrenched as a franchise player for the Bucs and a pillar in the community. Without him, expect Starling Marte to patrol center field on a regular basis, with Gregory Polanco toiling at one of the outfield corners. In Crick, the Bucs land a quality relief prospect with command issues. If he can figure those out, he could be a quality, late-inning candidate. Reynolds is a good outfield prospect who is a few years away from reaching the bigs, while Pittsburgh also received money for their international bonus pool.
Fantasy impact
McCutchen is still only 31 years old, so he could continue to produce 25-plus home runs and 80-plus runs batted in with his new team. His stock does not rise because of this deal, nor does it fall. Crick could emerge as a quality reliever in Pittsburgh (with some work on his command), so his stock is rising. Reynolds' long-term value remains high.
