The Houston Astros Should Target a Former NL MVP, and It's Not The One You Think

The Houston Astros should target Andrew McCutchen

The Astros' World Series run was amazing to watch. The team clicked at all the right times, led by their stellar pitching staff. If the Astros are to repeat, there are a few positions in which they need to add depth, with outfield being one of them.  Do the Astros need the likes of Mauricio Dubon or Aledmys Diaz back in their continued utility roles, or are there better options, like say, 2013 NL MVP Andrew McCutchen?

Everyone knows the Astros tried to add outfield depth and failed this past summer. Deadline acquisition Trey Mancini didn’t quite workout, especially in the postseason. Andrew McCutchen would be the perfect addition this off-season to fill that glaring need, as I’m not sure that Michael Brantley will be back in Houston. McCutchen provides the outfield utility the Astros desire and the power they need to continue to dominate. 

This past season, McCutchen started 82 games at DH and 50 games in the outfield, with most of those being in left. McCutchen was errorless in the outfield, and the 36-year-old outfielder would bring his veteran experience to a team with young outfielders.

McCutchen should also be a more cost effective option for the Astros, as last year he went to the Brewers on a one year, $8.5 million dollar contract. 

The five time All-Star and four time Silver-Slugger deserves a shot. His 17 home runs and a slash line of .237/.316/.384 and an OPS of .700 he would fit nicely into the lineup. McCutchen could platoon DH and Left Field with Yordan Alvarez. His versatility gives the Astros another option as well for off days for Tucker and McCormick.

Above all, McCutchen would fit in with the Astros, as the reason he gave to go to the Brewers was his desire to win, and we all know the Astros will continue to do that in the future.