When the Atlanta Braves signed 18-year MLB veteran Andrew McCutchen to a minor league deal at the beginning of July, the idea was that it could boost a struggling offense, especially versus left-handed pitching. Of course, most recognized that it would be a long shot, especially after McCutchen struggled in his two-month stint with the Rangers.
McCutchen has played 11 games in the Braves minor league system, and since joining the Triple-A Gwinnett Stripers, he's gone on a hot streak. In seven games in Triple-A, he's slashed .400/.400/.640, and has certainly increased the odds that he could suit up for the Braves at the big league level.
However, even with this hot streak, the Braves should not alter their shopping list for a bat at the deadline.
Of note: Veteran OF Andrew McCutchen has hit safely in six straight games and is batting .455 (10-for-22) with 3 doubles, a HR, 5 RBI, 4 runs scored, and a stolen base during that streak for #Braves Triple-A Gwinnett.
— Grant McAuley (@grantmcauley) July 31, 2026
Andrew McCutchen's recent success should not change Braves plans
Although McCutchen has certainly had an impressive career, it wouldn't be wise to buy into a one-week stretch in the minors. McCutchen was a below-average hitter with the Pirates last year, finishing the year with a 94 OPS+, and had a disastrous 37 games with the Rangers this season, where he had a 58 OPS+. His expected metrics actually indicated he was getting lucky in Texas, as his .249 woBA was slightly higher than his .237 xwOBA.
McCutchen has never been a great defensive player, either. Despite winning a Gold Glove in 2012, the four-time All-Star has been worth -75 DRS and -38 OAA. Since the introduction of the universal DH, McCutchen has played DH over five times more than he's played the outfield.
McCutchen would be best served as a platoon DH versus left-handed pitching. However, with the way the Braves are currently constructed, Drake Baldwin has been DHing when the Braves face left-handed pitching, which would eliminate the most natural spot for McCutchen. That role is going to be even further limited when Sean Murphy returns, as it will further guarantee that Baldwin will be the DH in these spots.
Although Eli White has been a below-average hitter, currently sitting with an 89 OPS+ at the end of July, his defense would vastly outweigh what McCutchen could do with the bat while playing left field, especially considering White's OPS+ is within six points of what McCutchen produced last season.
It's no secret that the Braves need to add a bat at the deadline, but with McCutchen's poor defense and with him fitting into the wrong side of the platoon, he simply does not fill the need the team has. His hot streak should not stop the Braves from acquiring a bat that fills the need in the outfield or at DH against righties.
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