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The Giants have acquired Andrew McCutchen from the Pirates for Kyle Crick and hitting prospect Bryan Reynolds. The addition of the 31-year-old McCutchen adds some punch to a team lacking in outfield talent.
McCutchen, a five-time All-Star, is the centerpiece of the trade. While no longer producing like he did five years ago, he still hit 28 home runs and stole 11 bases last season to go with his .279 batting average and .363 OBP. He remains a full-time outfielder and will displace no one of fantasy significance in San Francisco. Mac Williamson and Jarrett Parker and their projected sub-.230 batting averages will be headed to the bench. Also, it’s still likely the Giants will sign an average defensive centerfielder, as McCutchen’s range has declined recently.
As for McCutchen’s fantasy value, it takes a major hit. His new home park, AT&T, is an extreme pitchers’ park and highly suppresses home runs because of the cool climate. I would not be surprised to see his value drop by a round or two.
As for the Pirates’ return, they get former first-round pick Kyle Crick (7.8 K/9, 4.7 BB/9, and 3.06 ERA). The 25-year-old righty made his major league debut in 2017 and accumulated 30 relief appearances. Crick (#16 Giants prospect according to MLB.com) as some positive traits but one major flaw.
On the positive side, Crick struck out over 10 batters-per-nine in the minors with an above-average fastball and slider. Additionally, both pitches rise, generating a ton of lazy fly balls. His problem is control, with a BB/9 hovering around 5.0. Additionally, he can’t throw his breaking ball for strikes (30% Zone%). He’s still a project with good potential.
Additionally, the Pirates acquired Bryan Reynolds (#4 prospect at MLB.com). While Crick has seen time in the majors, Reynolds is at least a couple of seasons away from contributing. He’s a very average hitting prospect without one carrying trait.
McCutchen leaving clears the path for Pirates’ #1 prospect Austin Meadows to take over the vacated left-field position. Since being drafted, the athletic lefty bat has played a limited amount because of injuries. It’s tough to know how Meadows will produce in the majors, but the talent is still enticing.
Previous Hot Stove Analysis
Twins Grab Their Closer, Sign Addison Reed
Mets Bring Back Jay Bruce on Three-Year Deal
Toronto Acquires Yangervis Solarte from San Diego
Royals, Dodgers, and White Sox Complete Three-Way Trade
Rockies Fill Closer Vacancy with Wade Davis
Arizona Adds Bullpen Depth with Yoshihisa Hirano
Indians Fill First-Base Void with Yonder Alonso
Brewers Bolster Rotation with Jhoulys Chacin
Orioles Lose Zach Britton, Brad Brach Likely Closer
Giants Add Evan Longoria, Rays Create a Mess
Red Sox Bring Back Mitch Moreland
CC Sabathia Returns to Yankees
Dodgers-Braves Make Five-Player Trade
Angels in the Infield: Zack Cozart Signs with Los Angeles
Phillies Ink Carlos Santana to Three-Year Deal
Everyone’s Signing Relievers, But Who Will Close?
Cardinals Finally Get Their Marlins Outfielder
Cubs and Twins Gamble on Smyly and Pineda
Chase Headley Gets Dumped on Padres
Cubs and Cardinals Add Potential Closers
Giancarlo Stanton Joins Yankees
Wellington Castillo Inks Deal with White Sox
Potential Closers Traded: Boxberger and Johnson