Pirates Legend McCutchen Extends Pittsburgh Journey with One-Year Contract
The Pittsburgh Pirates have ensured their legendary slugger Andrew McCutchen will remain a cornerstone of their organization for at least one more season. On Monday, the Pirates announced that McCutchen, a free agent following the 2024 campaign, has agreed to a one-year, $5 million deal for the 2025 season.
The team confirmed the news on their social media channels, posting:
“Andrew McCutchen is staying home.”
Pirates owner Bob Nutting expressed his excitement about retaining McCutchen in an official statement:
“It was important for me and for everyone within our organization that Andrew remains in a Pirates uniform. It is where he belongs. In my conversations with Andrew, he made clear his strong desire to help the team in every way he can, both on the field and in the clubhouse. I am glad he is back.”
A Storied Career Comes Full Circle
McCutchen made his MLB debut with the Pirates in 2009, quickly establishing himself as a franchise icon. Over his first nine seasons in Pittsburgh, he earned five All-Star selections, an NL MVP award in 2013, and was instrumental in ending the Pirates’ two-decade playoff drought with postseason appearances from 2013 to 2015.
Following a trade to the San Francisco Giants before the 2018 season, McCutchen’s career took him to several teams, including the New York Yankees, Philadelphia Phillies, and Milwaukee Brewers. However, the 2023 season marked an emotional return to Pittsburgh, where he resumed his role as a leader for the club’s emerging core.
In 2024, McCutchen’s veteran presence proved invaluable. While his batting line of .232 with 20 home runs and 50 RBIs over 120 games may not match his MVP peak, his contributions went beyond the stat sheet, guiding the Pirates’ young roster.
A Swan Song in Pittsburgh?
Now 38 years old, McCutchen’s one-year deal may set the stage for his final season in Major League Baseball. When he returned to Pittsburgh in 2023, McCutchen shared his hopes of playing a couple more seasons before retiring with the franchise that defined his career.
For Pirates fans, the news is a heartwarming reminder of McCutchen’s loyalty and dedication. As the team continues its rebuild, having a veteran like McCutchen not only boosts morale but also provides a tangible connection to the franchise’s recent history of success.
What’s Next for McCutchen and the Pirates?
As McCutchen prepares for the 2025 season, fans can expect more than just nostalgia. With his power at the plate and leadership in the clubhouse, McCutchen has the potential to play a pivotal role for a Pirates team striving to take the next step in its rebuild.
Whether 2025 will mark his final chapter or not, Andrew McCutchen’s legacy in Pittsburgh is secure, and his story with the Pirates continues to inspire.
