McCutchen Returns Home to Pittsburgh

Image Courtesy of: Justin Berl Getty Images

Pittsburgh, PA (PSF) — Andrew McCutchen signs a one-year $5 million deal with Pirates. It’s been five years since the Pirates dealt beloved All-Star centerfielder Andrew McCutchen to the San Francisco Giants for (their now All-Star centerfielder) Bryan Reynolds et al. And the city has welcomed him home with open arms.

It’s a full-circle moment for McCutchen, who has become a journeyman since his trade to the Bay Area in January of 2018. With stops in the Bronx, Philly, and Milwaukee, Cutch will most likely finish his career where it began. Although he has no intentions for a fair well tour.

“I’m not here as a spokesperson or as a spokesman for the Pittsburgh Pirates,” McCutchen said. “I’m not here on a farewell tour. I’m here to play. I’m here to help this ballclub win, and that’s first and foremost.”

His triumph and return come at a unique time in Pittsburgh. It’s not the same 82-win team he left after the 2018 season. And definitely not the 98-win team from 2015. Most of those players are with other teams or retired. It’s also a unique time in the fact that the Pirates are potentially looking to move Bryan Reynolds sometime this season. Reynolds has three years left on his contract, with the Bucs currently holding the No. 1 overall pick (with OF Dylan Crews on the radar), Reynolds’s time in Pittsburgh looks to slipping through the hourglass.

McCutchen will undoubtedly add outfield depth to the lineup and a veteran presence for a team that seems to keep getting younger and younger by the year. Cutch will most likely be finding playing time in one of the two corners in the outfield, as well as designated hitting.

There might be a possibility he replaces Reynolds in centerfield if Reynolds is dealt this season. However, Cutch hasn’t played much centerfield (if any) since he departed from the Bucs. And while that was his lone position for almost a decade, he may have to relearn the position and shake off some rust.

Cutch had a down here at the plate with the Brewers last season. His batting average was an “eh” at best with a .237 average, the second lowest in his career. He hit 17 home runs, batted in 69 runs, and scored 66 himself. He did finish tied for second with Christian Yelich with 25 doubles. Those “eh” numbers however all finished in the top five with Milwaukee and most likely would’ve been in the top five had he played for Pittsburgh in 2022.

McCutchen’s return is a much-needed boost for a franchise that has had back-to-back hundred-loss seasons and seems to have no identity in the baseball world. While the future down on the farm looks bright for the Bucs, they need a spark now and need some hope before those young Bucs get promoted to the big leagues. Even then there will be struggles with a young inexperienced team.

Cutch stated he is thankful for the opportunity to come home, and the city is thankful to have him.

“There’s not one specific word that I can put into describe the euphoric feeling that I have,” McCutchen said. “I’m just so thankful.”