Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Andrew McCutchen will miss the remainder of the 2019 season after tearing his ACL during Monday night's game against the San Diego Padres.
The longtime Pittsburgh Pirate and 2013 NL MVP signed a three year, $50 million contract with the Phillies this past off-season after splitting the 2018 season with the San Francisco Giants and New York Yankees. In 59 games with the Phillies this season, McCutchen was hitting. 256 with 10 HR and 29 RBI. He also had a .378 OBP and was leading the NL in walks with 43 at the time of his injury.
McCutchen, 32, becomes the second Phillies outfielder the team needs to replace. Last week, Odubel Herrera was suspended for a domestic violence incident and may never return to the team. The Phillies then acquired veteran outfielder Jay Bruce from the Seattle Mariners over the weekend.
So what are the Phillies to do?
From where I sit their best option would be to try to make a deal for Kansas City Royals outfielder Alex Gordon. McCutchen primarily played left field this season and Gordon has won six Gold Gloves for his work in left field.
In addition to his defense, the Phillies would also get a player having a comeback season at the plate. In 57 games with the last place Royals, Gordon is hitting .281 with 9 HR and 38 RBI along with a OBP of .367. This after having three straight seasons hitting under .250.
Gordon, 35, has been with the Royals his entire professional career and was their top draft pick in 2005. He was an integral part of their back to back AL pennant winning teams in 2014 and 2015 earning a World Series ring in 2015. Gordon is signed through the end of this season, but there is a mutual option for 2020.
Given Gordon's offensive resurgence and the fact the Royals are destined to finish in the cellar of the AL Central for a third straight year, the time has come for Gordon and the Royals to go their separate ways. The Phillies have a need for a left fielder, have money to spend and have prospects that would get a chance to play in Kansas City. If this isn't a win-win then I don't know what is.
Above all else, the Phillies would get a player who has been through the post-season rigmarole and has been to the top of the mountain. Currently, starting pitcher Jake Arrieta is the only member of the Phillies roster who has a World Series ring on his resume. The Phillies need an everyday player with this credential and Alex Gordon fills that credential.
Can anyone tell me why the Phillies shouldn't make this deal?
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