Many will say it was a trade that should have been done weeks earlier than it was, but Andrew McCutchen has already shown his value to the Yankees in his first few weeks on the job. Since putting on the pinstripes, McCutchen holds an .879 OPS, while almost drawing as many walks (13) as he has recorded strikeouts (15). His ability to get on base in the leadoff spot and work quality at-bats has been huge for the Yanks, especially given the recent offensive struggles for Aaron Hicks.
Sure, the Yankees needed him long before he arrived, as Shane Robinson continued to be an everyday outfielder in Aaron Judge’s absence, but we have no idea what the asking price for McCutchen was earlier in the month, before the Giants likely felt pressed to get a deal done and get something for him.