Seven bold predictions for the National League West in 2018

The San Francisco Giants made two big signings during the offseason, bringing Andrew McCutchen over from the Pittsburgh Pirates and inking Tampa Bay’s Evan Longoria as their new third baseman.

These moves alone make the Giants stronger this season. In fact, I believe McCutchen will reward the Giants with an All-Star type season and will be one of the National League’s All-Star outfielders when the All-Star Game is played in July in Washington, D.C.

At the age of 31, McCutchen certainly has the skills to grab an All-Star spot. Last season was the seventh straight campaign where he hit 23 or more home runs. He also has driven in 80 or more runs in six of the last seven campaigns.

A change of scenery won’t stop McCutchen from delivering at the plate. In fact, it could be argued that the talent surrounding McCutchen in San Francisco is better than he had around him in Pittsburgh over the last couple of seasons.

McCutchen is projected to have a 23-homer, 78-RBI season while slashing .268/.357/.463. That will put a jump in the Giants lineup. It will also help him head back to the All-Star Game for the first since making his fifth consecutive appearance in 2015.