Giants acquire McCutchen in trade with Pirates
SAN FRANCISCO — Andrew McCutchen, a five-time All-Star and Pittsburgh mainstay, said hello to San Francisco on Monday.
“Now I’m a Giant!” the center fielder wrote on Twitter. “Can’t wait to meet my new teammates and fans. This is just the beginning ...”
With that, McCutchen personally confirmed the report that the Giants had acquired the 2013 National League MVP. The teams officially announced the trade about an hour later, allowing the Giants to add the kind of proven outfielder they’ve been seeking all offseason.
In exchange, Pittsburgh gets pitcher Kyle Crick, minor league outfielder Bryan Reynolds and $500,000 in international bonus pool space. The Giants get McCutchen as well as cash considerations. Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, who first reported the trade, said the Pirates will send the Giants $2.5 million as part of the deal.
McCutchen will make $14.75 million in salary this year before being eligible for free agency.
“Andrew is a remarkable talent and will be a difference-maker in our lineup,” general manager Bobby Evans said in a statement. “We’re honored to have him and look forward to seeing him in a Giants uniform.”
The four-time Silver Slugger winner is expected to continue to wear the No. 22 he sported in Pittsburgh. That’s jersey number made famous in these parts by sweet-swinging Will Clark.
Giants right fielder Hunter Pence was among the first to welcome McCutchen to the
fold, posting a GIF of the Pirates outfielder trying to shoo ducks off the field in Pittsburgh. “Eager to chase birds with you in the outfield,” Pence wrote.
Giants reliever Mark Melancon, a former Pirate, tweeted: “Cutch is one of the most talented players I have ever played with or against. He’s a man of integrity and character and a person I would pick to go to battle with every time. He’s a huge boost for this club.”