The Phillies said they would not wait around to make moves while they wait to hear from the bigger-name free agents.  But the Phillies appear to be closing in on a player with an All-Star and MVP past.  He is a right-handed hitting outfielder.

Andrew McCutchen:

The deal is reportedly for three years and $50 million.

This move does not preclude the Phillies from pursuing another outfielder, according to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic. The Phillies were previously in on outfielders Michael Brantley and Bryce Harper.

The move now brings five outfielders into the outfield mix even before another addition: McCutchen, Odubel Herrera, Roman Quinn, Nick Williams and Aaron Altherr.  If the Phillies are still in on Manny Machado, the move could preclude other moves.  Perhaps any of the aforementioned outfield names could be included in a trade.

McCutchen is a five-time All-Star with the Pittsburgh Pirates.  McCutchen spent 2018 split between the San Francisco Giants and the New York Yankees, posting a 2.7 WAR while hitting 20 home runs. McCutchen is not the player he once was; he moved to the corner outfield and his batting average has dipped some.

More to come.

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