The Mets have officially brought back Yoenis Cespedes to play left field. They are currently in talks with many teams about both Curtis Granderson and Jay Bruce, and while they will probably trade one and keep the other, the possibility remains that they could trade both.
If both are traded, the Mets outfield would theoretically be Cespedes in left, Juan Lagares in center, and Michael Conforto in right with Brandon Nimmo as the fourth man. There is room in that outfield for an upgrade, and that could be Andrew McCutchen.
Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports reports that the likelihood of the Pirates trading Andrew McCutchen is pretty high.
He says the Washington Nationals would be interested, as trading for Cutch would allow them to move Trea Turner back to his natural position of shortstop. He says the Texas Rangers would be interested as well with their hole in center field. He does not mention the Mets.
Speaking to MLB.com regarding concerns about his defense, McCutchen said, “I don’t see myself needing to move. I don’t feel like I’m slowing down and hurting my team because of where I play… Playing center field is one thing, but being a leader out there is another.”
If the Mets were to trade for him, Juan Lagares’ playing time would once again be curtailed when in many’s opinions, consistent at bats is the key to his success.
The question is, do they mets think they really need Cutch, and would they offer the Pirates more than the other teams vying for his services, including the division rival Nationals?
Original Report – Nov 26
If the season were to start today, the Mets outfield would be some combination of Curtis Granderson, Jay Bruce, Juan Lagares, Michael Conforto, and Brandon Nimmo. Fortunately, next season does not start until next April, giving the Mets plenty of time to mold their outfield like clay.
The biggest and most obvious question mark regarding the Mets outfield is whether or not they re-sign Yoenis Cespedes to play left field. Why stop there, though?
The Mets seem dead set on trading Jay Bruce who is owed $13 million in 2017. They also seem open to trading Curtis Granderson who is owed $15 million. An outfield consisting of Yoenis Cespedes, Juan Lagares, Michael Conforto, and Brandon Nimmo doesn’t sound too shabby, but again, why stop there?
With that $28 million freed up, the Mets could make a big splash and trade for a big right handed bat. Why not Pirates center fielder Andrew McCutchen, who seems to be the source of several trade rumors.
McCutchen, 30, will be paid only $14 million in 2017 and has a $14.5 million team option ($1 million buyout) for 2018. That is a bargain if he plays anywhere near the level he has shown time and time again that he can.
The 2013 NL MVP was named to five consecutive All Star teams from 2011-2015. He won the Silver Slugger Award from 2012-2015, finishing in the top-five in MVP voting in each of those seasons.
Since his first full season in 2010, Cutch averages 155 games played per season with 23 home runs, 83 RBIs, 20 stolen bases, and 80 walks. He has a career .293/.383/.489 slash line to go with his impressive 140 OPS+.
He had a down year in 2016, though, hitting only .256/.336/.430 with 24 home runs and 79 RBIs in 153 games. He struck out a career-high 143 times and walked a career-low 69 times. He also stole less than ten bases for the first time in his career, swiping only six and getting caught seven times.
What would it take to bring the former MVP to New York? First of all, the Pirates don’t have much starting pitching depth behind ace Gerrit Cole. Involved in the trade would have to be a young, MLB ready starting pitcher with good upside. Robert Gsellman seems like he fits that criteria, and is consistent with the Pirates’ power-pitching philosophy.
Gsellman, 23, was very effective down the stretch last season, going 4-2 with a 2.42 ERA in seven starts. In 44.2 innings he struck out 42 batters and walked 15. He is a valuable trade chip right now, and with the Mets starting pitching depth, trading him for Cutch seems like a good idea.
The Pirates would also want a replacement in their outfield. While Gregory Polanco is cemented in right field, Starling Marte can play a good center field. The Mets have a plethora of left fielders that the Pirates would be interested in, but if they want anyone, it would probably be Michael Conforto.
Conforto, 23, had a down year in 2016 batting only .220/.310/.414 with 12 home runs and 42 RBIs. Despite his underperforming, his upside is undeniable. If the Mets were to resign Cespedes, that would pretty much signify Conforto’s return to AAA Las Vegas. The Mets wouldn’t keep him as a fourth outfielder because he needs consistent at-bats.
In this theoretical world, the Mets outfield would have McCutchen in center field with Yoenis Cespedes and Curtis Granderson manning the corners.
The last piece of the trade would be a prospect with a lot of upside. Someone who fits that mold is minor league pitcher Chris Flexen. The 22 year-old underwent Tommy John surgery in 2014, and since then, has pitched well.
He played the entirety of 2016 with A+ St. Lucie, starting 25 games and going 10-9 with a 3.56 ERA. In 134 innings he struck out 95 batters and walked 51. He usually throws 90-91 mph with good movement, but can reach back for more if necessary. He also features an average curveball and changeup.
With the Pirates wanting to shed some contract obligations, this would take $14 million off the books for them, while providing them with a starting pitcher, left fielder with tremendous upside, and a prospect to help bolster their farm system.
The Pirates might ask for more prospects, but these three players would be the focal point of the deal. Do you think the Mets should pursue Andrew McCutchen regardless of whether or not they sign Cespedes? Do you think a package of Michael Conforto, Robert Gsellman, and Chris Flexen would get the job done? Let us know below!
