Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Andrew McCutchen reveals the process that led to his break from the New York Yankees and back to the National League.
The New York Yankees are now in Tampa doing their thing after a full slate of offseason moves. One man who’s flown under the radar per breaking away from the organization is former NL MVP Andrew McCutchen.
Per Randy Miller of NJ.com, McCutchen explained how his clean break unfolded.
“None,” McCutchen responded to the question of how much interest the 27-time world champs showed in him.
McCutchen, 32, will go down in the Yankees books as playing in just 32 games (should he never find his way back). The former Pittsburgh Pirates stud hit .253 with five home runs and 10 runs batted in.
McCutchen believes he knows why it all traveled down this path.
“Starting pitching was the Yankees’ priority, and that made sense because that’s what they needed most,” McCutchen said.
“Maybe I would have been a priority for the Yankees later, but I wanted to sign pretty quick. I didn’t want to have to wait around because clearly we’ve seen the last two years what happens if you wait.”
Instead of retention, he took his act to Philly. A three year, $30 million deal made it happen.
Nonetheless, the outfielder is of the assumption New York will enjoy a big 2019.
“They made some great moves,” he said. “Getting a guy like [James] Paxton. Re-signing [J.A.] Happ and [Zack] Britton. Signing [Adam] Ottavino as well. They made some good moves. Getting that starting pitching, having a bullpen that’s amazing and the way that they score runs. … They’re going to be all right.”
New York employs Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton, Aaron Hicks, Brett Gardner and, perhaps, Clint Frazier (depending on where he begins the season). Tyler Wade can also play a little corner outfield.
In the end, all is well with the New York Yankees and Andrew McCutchen. First-class professionalism.
