One of the most beloved Pittsburgh Pirates in recent memory is sticking around for at least another season. According to Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Andrew McCutchen re-signs with the Buccos for one year and $5 million. The fan favorite now gets a chance to add to his already sterling legacy in Pittsburgh.
Andrew McCutchen is reportedly signing a one-year deal to return to the Pittsburgh Pirates. pic.twitter.com/c8a8EtWFtk
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) December 19, 2023
Andrew McCutchen Re-Signs with Pirates
McCutchen is entering his 16th big league season, most of which have been with the Pirates. After playing his first nine seasons for Pittsburgh, he jumped around for a few years. He had stints with the San Francisco Giants, New York Yankees, Philadelphia Phillies, and Milwaukee Brewers before landing back in Pittsburgh in 2023. Although he hasn’t made an All-Star team since 2015, McCutchen has remained a steady force at the plate, compiling 100 or more hits in each of the last three seasons. After his average dipped to a career-low .222 in 2021, he improved in the subsequent two years, getting up to .256 in 2023.
McCutchen’s career accolades include five All-Star appearances, four straight NL Silver Sluggers (2011-2014), a Gold Glove in 2012, and the NL MVP in 2013. That year, he hit .317 with 21 home runs, 84 RBI, and a .911 OPS. In the following two seasons, McCutchen arguably had even better numbers. However, helping lead the Pirates to their first winning season and postseason appearance in over two decades likely helped put him over the top in MVP voting.
Andrew McCutchen is one home run away from becoming the 26th player with 300 HR and 200 SB.#MLB | #LetsGoBucs pic.twitter.com/jcUTVZllHp
— Baseball Reference (@baseball_ref) December 19, 2023
Upon the start of the 2024 season, McCutchen will immediately be on milestone watch, as he is only one home run away from 300 for his career. This would make him the 26th player in history to reach 300 homers and 200 stolen bases. He would join a laundry list of All-Stars and Hall of Famers in this club. Although McCutchen’s plans beyond 2024 are unknown, this move for now increases the chances of him rounding out his career in the Steel City. That would be a fitting cap for one of the best players of the last 15 years.
Photo Credit: © Matt Blewett-USA TODAY Sports
