In an electrifying announcement reverberating through the Steel City, Andrew McCutchen, the beloved former NL MVP, is set to grace the diamond with the Pittsburgh Pirates once more, embarking on his 12th season with the franchise. Reports conferring this news indicate that the veteran slugger has inked a deal worth $5 million for the upcoming year, a pact that solidifies his place in the lineup as he continues to embody a rich legacy within the organization.
Last season, McCutchen crafted a commendable year, serving primarily in the role of designated hitter. His performance saw him accumulate a slash line of .232/.328/.411, driving in an impressive 50 runs across 120 appearances. The resurgence of his power was notable, as he belted 20 home runs—his most since 2021—while grappling with a career-high strikeout rate of 25.8 percent. Such statistics weave a narrative of a player who, despite the trials of age, retains a glimmer of his former brilliance.
A product of the Pirates’ first-round draft in 2005, McCutchen’s journey is nothing short of remarkable. He mesmerizingly shined during his decade-long initial stint in Pittsburgh, where he garnered accolades, including four consecutive Silver Slugger awards from 2012 to 2014, and the crowning achievment of MVP during the electrifying 2013 season. After traversing various teams—including the San Francisco Giants, New York Yankees, Philadelphia Phillies, and Milwaukee Brewers—his return to the Buccos ahead of the 2023 season felt like a triumphant homecoming.
Now, as the five-time All-Star approaches his 38th birthday, he continues to defy expectations, adapting his game effectively to thrive as a designated hitter. The Pirates have ingeniously utilized him not only as a hitter but also strategically as a pinch runner, maximizing his influence on the field.
Last season marked a milestone for McCutchen as he ascended to 9th place on the Pirates’ all-time leaderboard, amassing 1,578 games played and an impressive 6,817 plate appearances, supplanting the legendary Tommy Leach in the process.
Looking ahead, the Pirates are optimistic, hoping for sustained production from McCutchen, along with a reduction in strikeouts, as he reconvenes as the linchpin of their lineup. His return complicates matters for young up-and-comer, Henry Davis, the former No. 1 draft pick, who will have to adapt his role behind the plate in light of McCutchen’s reemergence as a potential designated hitter.
A season of anticipation and hope brews among the Pirates faithful as Andrew McCutchen reclaims his place among the team’s storied ranks, infusing both experience and charisma into their pursuit of greatness in the spring of 2025.
