5 Mets trade deadline candidates we should already keep our eyes on

2) New York Mets trade deadline candidate, outfielder Andrew McCutchen

The Mets would have made a nice add for a fourth outfielder in five-time All-Star and 2013 NL MVP Andrew McCutchen, who signed with the Pittsburgh Pirates last week.

But how long into the 2023 campaign is McCutchen a Pirate? The Pirates may end up with the fewest wins of any team in baseball, and it would be wise for Pittsburgh to keep adding to one of the better farm systems in the sport if McCutchen is not in their long-term plans.

McCutchen’s clubhouse presence would be strong as well, as he once was a five-tool player that played the game the right way. Even though last season was his first with an OPS+ below 100, he could still help from the bench, and he has driven in 149 runs over his past two seasons with the Phillies and the Brewers.

But think about where McCutchen is in his career. His teams have only appeared in two Division Series and no League Championship Series in his 14-year career and more postseason experience is lacking in his career. A potential trade to the Mets would give him an opportunity to play with a World Series contender and help give the Mets reinforcements to their outfield if lack of depth in that area is exposed.