McCutchen headed to N.Y.
Deal reportedly in place that will send veteran outfielder to the Yankees
The Andrew McCutchen era lasted nine seasons in Pittsburgh, but theMcCutchen era in San Francisco failed to make it to nine months.
The Giants have a deal in place to send their starting right fielder to the New York Yankees in a waiver wire trade, according to a report by ESPN’s Buster Olney.
Infielder Abiatal Avelino and another minor leaguer reportedly are headed to the Giants.
McCutchen, who will turn 32 in October, leads the Giants in home runs (15) and RBI (55) and is batting .255. He consistently hit in the leadoff spot, but the Giants never made the playoff push front offices executives envisioned when they acquired him from Pittsburgh in January.
The Yankees, battling the A’s for the first AL wild-card spot, coveted outfield depth and versatility, especially with Aaron Judge sidelined with a wrist injury.
Following the trade of McCutchen and the loss of rookie Steven Duggar to a season- ending shoulder injury, the Giants are short-handed in the outfield. The trade clears the way for San Francisco to promote top hitting prospect Chris Shaw to the major league roster.
By moving McCutchen, who was in the final year of a 6-year, $51.5 million contract, the Giants saved roughly $2 million and will remain clear of the $197 million competitive balance tax threshold.
The Giants will likely allow rookie Austin Slater an opportunity to play every day in the outfield in September and could do the same if they elect to promote Shaw.
A trade involving McCutchen also allows the franchise to reward pending free agent Hunter Pence with starts during what is expected to be his final month in a Giants uniform.