Yankees fans are buzzing this Friday with the news that the team has acquired former NL MVP outfielder Andrew McCutchen. With his significant name recognition, the move grabbed headlines throughout the baseball world. For casual fans unsympathetic to the Bombers, it feeds the narrative that the Yankees simply go out and buy the best players in the world to fuel their championship teams.
The reality is far less flashy than the headlines. While Cutch is undoubtedly a massive upgrade over Shane Robinson, the Yankees are hardly acquiring a superstar. McCutchen is now five full years removed from his MVP title, and three years removed from his last All Star appearance.