Andrew McCutchen has been announced as Giancarlo Stanton's replacement for the Home Run Derby just hours after Bryce Harper was named (h/t Adam Kilgore, The Washington Post) as Stanton's replacement for the All-Star Game itself.

The Pittsburgh Pirates announced the news via their official Twitter account:

. @thecutch22 replaces Giancarlo Stanton in the MLB Home Run derby Monday night. — Pittsburgh Pirates (@Pirates) July 8, 2012

McCutchen has led a resurgence in the Steel City so far this season. He's a top contender for the National League MVP award at this point because of his legitimate five-tool talents. He's hitting .359 with 16 home runs and 56 RBI this far.

He isn't your traditional Home Run Derby participant. He doesn't have towering power, but his production has increased gradually over his career. He hit 12 home runs as a rookie in 2009, 16 in 2010 and 23 last season. Given that he already has 16 bombs this year you have to imagine he will clear his total from the 2011 campaign.

Fans outside of Pittsburgh may wrinkle their nose at McCutchen as a derby participant, but they shouldn't. He is one of baseball's rising stars, and this year's production, coupled with the Pirates play, has vaulted him to superstar status.

When you look at McCutchen you don't see a menacing hitter with prodigious power potential. You see an excellent all-around hitter who has home run capabilities but isn't a consistent threat to go yard.

Don't let McCutchen's 5'10'', 185-pound frame fool you. He has one of the quickest bats in the league, and his bat speed gives him a chance to compete Monday night. He has an easily repeatable swing because of his discipline and rhythmic approach.

Stanton was a "sexy" pick to win this year because of his propensity for towering shots. His power has been well-documented since his days in the Marlins farm system.

McCutchen doesn't bring that same reputation to the table, but his presence will be exciting. He's the face of the up-and-coming Pirates franchise and one of baseball's brightest young stars.