The Milwaukee Brewers signed outfielder Andrew McCutchen to a one-year deal back on Monday.
McCutchen hit .222 and hit 27 homers with 80 RBIs with the Philadelphia Phillies in 2021.
He brings solid veteran leadership to the Brewers clubhouse and some thump to their lineup.
Today, the Brewers officially announced the signing, and also gave some clarity on what role McCutchen would be used in for the 2022 season.
The Brewers plan to use the 35-year-old primarily as a designated hitter, according to Bob Nightengale of USA Today.
Now that the universal DH is in play, McCutchen had more options available when signing, and now has his spot with the Brewers figured out.
Andrew McCutchen primarily will be used as the DH, #Brewers say
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) March 16, 2022
A New Role
McCutchen may be 35, but he is still fully capable of producing at the big-league level, and the addition of the DH to the National League is beneficial for a player like him who is no longer in his prime.
Of course, being past one’s prime does not mean that the player is ineffective by any means, and that certainly isn’t the case with McCutchen, who still has great power.
But the DH in the National League not only gives players more options, but also allows them an opportunity to potentially extend their careers by having a set role for them.
McCutchen still has some good years left in him and is a solid pickup for Milwaukee as they look to defend their NL Central title.
One can imagine McCutchen might occasionally play some in the outfield if Christian Yelich or Lorenzo Cain needs a break from playing the field.
But the former MVP finds himself part of an impressive lineup that looks ready to do some damage in 2022
NEXT: Andrew McCutchen Has Found A New MLB Team