Andrew McCutchen: A Decline or Jason Bay Down Year?

A lot has been made on Andrew McCutchen’s 2016 season, which has ultimately led to trade rumors. McCutchen’s down season was uncommon given his age and previous year. But is it a decline, or similar to a former Pirate outfielder? Let’s analyze Andrew McCutchen and a similar scenario.

Jason Bay won the first Pirates Rookie of the Year award in 2004, his first full season of the Pirates. Bay was the man in Pittsburgh, going to the All Star game in both 2005 and 2006, with the 2006 Mid Summer Classic occurring in Pittsburgh. His end finally occurred during the rebuild, in Neal Huntington’s first season at the helm, when he was dealt to the Boston Red Sox in a three-way deal. He was the best…