Seattle Mariners 2022 free agent candidates – Andrew McCutchen
The Seattle Mariners have a few holes to fill, and free agency is one way to go. We begin our series on under-the-radar UFA’s with a look at Andrew McCutchen.
The Seattle Mariners, like the rest of Major League Baseball, are currently in lock-out mode. The lack of action leaves all baseball fans to suffer. We won’t talk about the labor action as it’s infuriating. Once the season gets underway, there will be a rush to sign the remaining free agents so they can report to camp.
It will be the “Wild West” out there, and no one knows how it will play out. For example, will a player like Kris Bryant be more inclined to accept a short (in length) deal but high in dollars because this year revenues will be down. Or knowing that revenue will be down, and him being a bit older, will he be more interested in a longer (in length) deal but for not as much annual money?
Due to this uncertainty, the Seattle Mariners might miss out on some or possibly all of the big-name players. The M’s are currently in a delicate position. They need immediate MLB help, but that help can’t impede any progression of the good young prospects they have in the minors.
That’s the rub for Seattle; win now but don’t hurt the farm system. However, General Manager Jerry Dipoto‘s headache leads us to this wonderful article.
Today is the first of many articles on the free agents who aren’t in the “top tier.” Before the lock-out, I wrote a list of likely Seattle Mariners targets. Now, I’ll do an updated version that looks specifically at one player at a time. In the leadoff spot is Andrew McCutchen.
What Cutch can do for Seattle
Andrew McCutchen is a 35-year old left fielder with a strong pedigree. Here’s a quick rundown of his accolades.
- All-Star – Five times, 2011-2015
- Silver Slugger Award, – Four times, 2012-2015
- 2013 National League MVP
- NL MVP Third Place – Twice, 2012 and 2014
- Gold Glove Award – 2012
Unfortunately, McCutchen is coming off the worst batting average year in his career (.222). Coincidently, last year was also the most games he’s played in a season (144) since 2018. His average might have been down, but his power numbers were up. In 2021 McCutchen had his third-highest home run total (27), and his OPS was still better than Kyle Seager‘s (.778-.723).
Due to McCutchen’s age, it is logical to think that he’s past his “last big deal.” At this point, a shorter-term, higher-dollar deal might be more appealing to him. A situation that plays perfectly into the Seattle Mariners’ long-term plans.
Cutch can be the starting left fielder until wonder prospect Julio Rodriguez gets his call-up. Or, at the very least, McCutchen can be part of a left field platoon and rotate at DH.
Intangibles
Besides McCutchen’s production, maybe the most valuable item he can bring to the Seattle Mariners is his MLB experience. Young up-and-comers such as Rodriguez and Jarred Kelenic could learn from him. He certainly is familiar with being a mid-20-something face of a franchise. One big thing the M’s lack is playoff experience, and McCutchen has been to the postseason four times.
His on-field production may not be as prolific as what Bryant or Nick Castellanos can put up. However, McCutchen’s experience and veteran presence can be valuable to a developing ball club with young emerging stars that could be going through a similar MLB growth as he did 10 years ago.
Related Story: Mariners 2022 Top 10 Under 25
What do you think about the Seattle Mariners making a run at Andrew McCutchen? Let us know in the comments section below.