To say it has been a whirlwind several months is an understatement for Andrew McCutchen.

This past off-season for the Pirates were not highlighted with any free agent signings, (no surprise there) but with endless rumors that the former MVP was on his way out of Pittsburgh.

In early December, it was pretty much a done deal that Cutch was on his way to the Washington Nationals in exchange for prospects Lucas Giolito and Victor Robles. But at the last minute, the Bucs backed out.

Thank goodness.

Now, Cutch made the switch to right field, and one could argue it will save his career.

Last season Cutch had a significant downfall, which ultimately sparked the trade rumors. He hit .259 with only 79 RBIs. He may have lost a step or two speed-wise, which makes his switch to right field even more logical.

Cutch is one of those people who is fully aware that baseball is a business. In a story for The Players Tribune, he said that his rumors were a huge wake-up call, and now that he has a second chance, he will prove to the Pirates that he is a player who is untouchable by other teams.

Not only does Cutch’s move to right make sense for him, it also makes sense for the team.

It gives Starling Marte a chance to play center field, where he belongs. Marte is making the transition to becoming one of the elite outfielders in baseball, and his switch to center could not be timed more perfectly.

Cutch also has a higher fielding percentage when running to his right to catch the ball, which makes up a majority of what players do in right field.

The stars align for the Pirates in 2017. Cutch is poised for a comeback season, the pitching staff is young and talented, and with Clint Hurdle being one of the best managers in baseball, ‘Buctober’ could be making a return.