The Pittsburgh Pirates announced a new defensive alignment via press release today, with a quote from Clint Hurdle about the move. It wasn’t unexpected, as it has been mentioned in the past, and the defensive metrics have pointed to Andrew McCutchen being the worst defensive center fielder in baseball during the 2016 season. The new move puts two-time Gold Glove winner Starling Marte in center field, Gregory Polanco in left field and McCutchen in right field. This possible move being discussed was mentioned back in early November. Here is the full quote from Hurdle.
“After a detailed evaluation, various considerations and many conversations, we have discussed with each of our outfielders the defensive alignment that we will employ. That alignment will be Gregory in left field, Starling in center and Andrew in right. We believe this alignment will maximize our outfield production. Our men were very professional and respectful of the team and each other throughout the process, and are selfless in helping us strengthen our team defensively.”
Tim Williams has discussed the position change multiple times this off-season, if you would like to read more on the move prior to it happening.
One Way or Another, Andrew McCutchen Needs to Move