Trading for the former NL MVP McCutchen was a smart late-season move by GM Brian Cashman and the Yankees because of the uncertainty surrounding Judge’s return. Judge is making progress but there’s still no set timetable on when we might see him back in the lineup and until that day comes McCutchen will continue to be the team’s starting right-fielder.
However, once Judge does come back that will leave four outfielders and only three starting spots in the lineup. That’s not even including Giancarlo Stanton who will continue to be the team’s primary DH down the stretch and in the postseason.