Report: Yankees land McCutchen from Giants
With Aaron Judge sidelined due to a lingering wrist injury, the New York Yankees have reportedly acquired San Francisco Giants outfielder Andrew McCutchen, a source tells Buster Olney of ESPN.
Both teams say a deal hasn't been finalized, according to Bob Nightengale of USA TODAY Sports, and the trade isn't expected to be officially announced Thursday night.
Once the deal is official, infielder Abiatal Avelino will reportedly be one of two prospects heading to San Francisco, according to Joel Sherman of the New York Post. The second piece going to the Giants is a minor-league pitcher, Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reported Friday morning.
Finances may not be an issue, as the Yankees can take on the roughly $2.5 million remaining on McCutchen's 2018 salary without exceeding the luxury-tax threshold. The Giants and Yankees will reportedly split the payment of his remaining salary, according to Rosenthal.
McCutchen owed nearly $2.5M. Not known if #SFGiants would include cash in deal, but #Yankees can absorb entire amount and remain under luxury-tax threshold.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) August 31, 2018
McCutchen, a five-time All-Star and former MVP with the Pittsburgh Pirates, has hit .255/.357/.415 with 15 home runs and 13 stolen bases in 130 games with the Giants in 2018.
If Judge remains on the shelf, McCutchen represents an upgrade over Neil Walker and Shane Robinson in right field for New York, and he would act as added insurance once the slugger returns to the lineup.