SAN FRANCISCO — The Giants acquisitions are heating up.
After acquiring Tampa Bay’s three-time Gold Glove winner and franchise third baseman Evan Longoria just weeks ago, San Francisco on Monday went back to work in trading for Pirates cornerstone and former league-MVP Andrew McCutchen.
The Giants sent pitcher Kyle Krick and minor-league outfielder Bryan Reynolds, as well as $500,000 in international bonus money, in the deal. That is money, however, that San Francisco were unlikely to spend before July. Along with the five-time All-Star, the Giants will also receive $2.5 million cash as part of the trade — money left over for the club to possibly spread around the outfield or the pitcher’s mound.
On the surface, McCutchen, could be the offensive spark the Giants are looking for. The 31-year-old hit 28 home runs last season, while San Francisco’s lineup finished last in the majors in runs and homers. That offense, and McCutchen’s pedigree, was some things Giants Vice President of Baseball Operations Brian Sabean said the club were targeting in the deal.
“It’s no secret that we were looking to further add run production to our lineup,” Sabean said in a club statement. “Anytime you have the opportunity to bring aboard someone with such a track record, you have to jump on it.”
The 28 home runs McCutchen hit last season equaled the second-highest total he’s posted on a single season, and just three shy of his career-high. Further, the four-time Silver Slugger has hit north of 20 home runs in each of the last seven seasons and has driven in at least 79 runs in each season of the same span.
Giants manager Bruce Bochy cited those facts and spoke about the leadership role McCutchen, who was the recipient of the 2015 Roberto Clemente award, will play in San Francisco’s clubhouse in reaction.
“Andrew is a dynamic player on the field and will be a leader in our clubhouse,” Bochy said in a statement. “He’s always been a threat at the plate and he’s a guy you don’t ever want to deal with whether he’s at the plate or on the bases; he’s going to make something happen.”
McCutchen famously led the charge in ending the Pirates 20-year postseason drought in 2013. He would ultimately lead the club to three-straight postseason appearances, before falling short in 2016 and last season. Leaving Pittsburgh, McCutchen stands as just one of four Pirates to hit 200-or-more home runs in black and gold, joining Willie Stargell, Ralph Kiner and Roberto Clemente.
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