Report: Yankees would like McCutchen back next season
It's been less than a month since Andrew McCutchen arrived in New York, but it appears he's done enough to leave a lasting impression on the Yankees' front office.
If the Yankees can negotiate a reasonable deal with the 31-year-old, soon-to-be free agent, they'd like to see him return next season, reports Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe, who adds the organization likes the veteran on the field and in the clubhouse.
McCutchen was added on Aug. 31 in a trade with the San Francisco Giants. He has an .844 OPS (128 OPS+) with four home runs and eight RBIs in 20 games since his arrival.
Overall, the 2013 National League MVP owns a .250/.364/.418 slash line with 19 homers, 63 RBIs, and 92 walks in 150 games split between the Yankees and Giants.
In a related note, Cafardo mentions the possibility that the Yankees could part ways with veteran outfielder Brett Gardner, who has a $12.5-million team option for 2019 with a $2-million buyout.
The 35-year-old has spent his entire career with the Yankees, but is in the midst of his worst season. His .688 OPS (85 OPS+) in 134 games is his lowest since a 42-game stint in 2008.
Gardner, a one-time All-Star, has been relegated to bench duties of late and has just 11 plate appearances since Sept. 15.