The Book on Daniel McCutchen

Prospect Info

Daniel McCutchen
Born 9/26/1982
RHP, PIT

The Yankees selected Daniel McCutchen in round 13 of the 2006 Draft. A product of the University of Oklahoma, McCutchen's rapid rise to the bigs was derailed by a 50-game steroids suspension near the beginning of his pro career. Following that interruption, he burned through A-level ball and was promoted to AA in the summer. In 2009, he went 13-6 with a 3.47 ERA and a 22 WHIP at AAA Indy.

Some see him as bullpen-bound, but McCutchen's lethal combination of a high-control 92mph fastball and knee-buckling curve/splitter, as well as his penchant to change speeds often, make him look like a better starting prospect to us. The Pirates seem to agree, as they handed him six tryout starts toward the end of 2009 to reasonable results: a 4.21 ERA and a 1.35 ERA wasn't embarrassing, after all, but that 19/11 strikeout/walk ratio isn't exactly a soothing sight for fans, either. He should compete for a back-end starter's job in 2010, and/or be lingering around for a midseason opening. He's still a bit raw for such a mature prospect, but the ceiling is a lot higher than the results to date. 2010 will be his crucible in Pittsburgh.

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