Andrew McCutchen #22 of the Pittsburgh Pirates
Andrew McCutchen Runs It Back with the Pirates for 2025
The Pittsburgh Pirates are keeping one of their franchise icons for at least one more season. The team announced Monday that Andrew McCutchen has re-signed for the 2025 season on a one-year contract, ensuring that the veteran outfielder and designated hitter will continue wearing the black and gold.
McCutchen, 38, made it clear throughout last season that retirement was not on his radar, and more importantly, he wanted to stay in Pittsburgh. Pirates Chairman Bob Nutting echoed that sentiment in his statement about the signing.
“It was important for me and for everyone within our organization that Andrew remain in a Pirates uniform. It is where he belongs,” Nutting said. “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.”
Source: He’s back. pic.twitter.com/I2FqZJA2l9
— Pittsburgh Pirates (@Pirates) December 23, 2024
McCutchen turned in a productive 2024 season, launching 20 home runs while slashing .232/.339/.400 with a .739 OPS. His veteran presence and leadership remain invaluable for a young Pirates team looking to take the next step forward in their rebuild.
McCutchen’s name is all over the Pirates’ record books. Heading into the 2025 season, he ranks fourth in franchise history in home runs, fifth in extra-base hits (609) and walks, sixth in RBI, ninth in games played, 10th in hits, stolen bases, and at-bats, and 11th in runs scored.
A first-round pick by Pittsburgh in the 2005 MLB Draft, McCutchen became the face of the franchise during the Pirates’ resurgence in the early 2010s. He won the 2013 NL MVP Award, led the team to three straight postseason appearances (2013-2015), and earned five All-Star selections before being traded to the San Francisco Giants in 2018. After stints with the Yankees, Phillies, and Brewers, he returned to Pittsburgh in 2023, a move that was met with overwhelming support from fans who never stopped considering him a Pirate.
With McCutchen back in the fold for another year, the Pirates maintain a key veteran leader in their clubhouse while giving their fanbase another season to appreciate one of the greatest players in franchise history. Now, the question is: how much more history can McCutchen add to his Pirates legacy in 2025?
