Atlanta Braves positional previews vs NL East: Left Field

3. Philadelphia Phillies

Sometimes, reputation wins out over uncertainties.

Andrew McCutchen played just 59 games in 2019, thanks to a torn ACL.

That same injury looked as though it would also delay Cutch’s return to the Phillies starting lineup in 2020, though now the veteran outfielder might get some help with the season’s postponement, perhaps providing him with enough time to be healthy enough to get the call on Opening Day (whenever that may be.)

However you look at it, though, there’s no disrespecting the production that McCutchen has brought to the table in his time as a major-leaguer.

That track record of success is what gives the Phillies the edge here over Miami and New York.

Even though his “peak” years have long passed, McCutchen has – like clockwork – routinely churned out 20+ homer seasons, a wRC+ of greater than 120, and a terrific approach at the plate (career walk rate of 12.2 BB/9).

He’s also renowned for his personality and leadership, intangibles that would definitely rub off on the team as a whole.

His skillset and consistency in performance are pretty clear indicators that he’s not about to experience some rapid drop-off in production, but rather he would continue to be an above-average bat even well into his mid-30 age seasons.

Having said that, it’s still fair to point out that McCutchen hasn’t had to deal with rebounding from a season-ending injury before (his career has always been one of remarkable health and durability), and the Phillies depth behind him is nothing special (some combination of Roman Quinn, Adam Haseley, or Jay Bruce would likely fill in if Cutch misses a significant portion again).

Those factors, along with the division-wide competition at left field being as thick as it is, is why Philadelphia finds itself third on this list.