Brewers Rumors: Crew Linked To Sign Former Rival Outfielder

The Milwaukee Brewers might be adding a veteran and defensive-savy outfielder for the second year in a row. Ken Rosenthal tweeted that the Crew are in talks with Andrew McCutchen.

Last year, the Brewers signed Jackie Bradley Jr. to a 2-year, $24MM deal. Before the lockout, Bradley was sent back to the Boston Red Sox with two prospects for outfielder Hunter Renfroe.

Andrew McCutchen would add outfield depth, a solid bat and another defensive weapon for the Brewers alongside Lorenzo Cain and Tyrone Taylor.

In 2021, Andrew hit .222, but had 27 home runs and 80 RBIs. He would have been second in home runs on the Brewers last year. Avisail Garcia had 29, while Luis Urias was second on the team with 23. He would have also been second on the team in RBIs.

Over 144 games played, McCutchen had a 109 OPS+ with the Philadelphia Phillies. He spent three seasons with the team. The 35-year-old has a career batting average of .280.

McCutchen has played mostly left field the past few seasons, but did play center for the Phillies as well. The Brewers are very familiar with McCutchen. He played on the Pittsburgh Pirates from 2009 until 2017. He’s 30 home runs from 300 career dingers and 67 RBIs away from a career 1,000.

Milwaukee would adding another solid bat and final outfield piece on their roster. They already have Christian Yelich, Lorenzo Cain, Hunter Renfroe and Tyrone Taylor. Taylor has earned his chance, and is a great backup outfield for any of the positions. McCutchen has experience at several positions too. Both players could also be utilized as a Designated Hitter along with Keston Hiura.

The Brewers have hinted that Hiura could also get some looks at outfield depending on depth and injuries. There is still plenty of time for the young hitter to find his place. McCutchen in the field would also allow Christian Yelich to get some at-bats at DH too. In a close game, a defensive outfield of McCutchen, Cain and Taylor is pretty darn appealing.

McCutchen has always hit well inside American Family Field and hits great against left-handed pitchers (168 WRc+). The Brewers struggled at times last year facing lefties, so someone like McCutchen adds that extra piece and boost to the roster.

Milwaukee is known to be on the search for another bat to supplement and boost their lineup and it looks like Andrew McCutchen could be that addition. He would bring veteran leadership, production against lefties, and shouldn’t cost too much to acquire.