I am not a member of the JBJ industrial complex, but we are not going to outslug the NYY.I see McCutchen as potentially being a big lineup and balance upgrade over JBJ.
I also think it makes a lot of sense in terms of an approach that insists on leaning more towards a GFIN play in 2018, while not being so shortsighted that we ignore the new CBA warning signs beyond that and which has the other big market teams scrambling away from the possibilities of being stuck operating under the constant strain of a bloated payroll. Which is basically where we are already at atm, and only digs that stance in deeper going forward with a signing like JDM. So instead you are left taking your semi-shot now, hope for some favorable outcomes this year, and then looking to get back under the LT next winter. With the expectation that you'll be having to trim some payroll and start banking on more creative/upside type roster fill solutions starting next winter.
Trading JBJ in the immediate aftermath, or even as part of the deal that nets you McCutchen I guess, just starts the more gradually aimed turn over process a year early. As opposed to an all or nothing go at the situation, of course.
Balanced play will be the Red Sox opportunity and Marcels bWAR projects McCutcheon at 2.6, JBJ 3.1 and JBJ is three years younger which keeps the "window" open a longer.