Pirates bring back veteran clubhouse leader and former MVP

Pirates Re-sign Andrew McCutchen to Boost Lineup and Leadership

The Pittsburgh Pirates are on the brink of becoming contenders in the NL Central. After finishing the 2024 season with a 76-86 record, the team is looking to add a few key pieces that could elevate their roster and make them competitive.

With a strong core of young talent already in place, the Pirates are hopeful that these players will continue to develop and help the team take the next step toward playoff contention.

In a move to further solidify their roster, the Pirates have re-signed veteran outfielder Andrew McCutchen, who previously won the NL MVP in 2013.

While McCutchen’s best years are behind him, he has proven over recent seasons that he can still contribute offensively. The deal, according to Alex Stumpf, is for one year and valued at $5 million. In 2024, McCutchen provided much more than just leadership; his performance at the plate was solid, hitting .232 with 20 home runs and a .739 OPS.

At 38 years old, he remains an above-average hitter, posting a 105 OPS+.

While McCutchen’s skills on defense and base running have diminished with age, he still offers significant value to the Pirates as a hitter and a clubhouse leader.

He has maintained a respectable ability to hit for power and demonstrate excellent plate discipline. This makes him a constant threat for opposing pitchers, especially as someone who understands how to navigate the strike zone.

As long as McCutchen continues to perform at this level and desires to play, he will remain an important piece of the Pirates’ lineup.

The Pirates are still far from guaranteeing a playoff spot, but McCutchen is hopeful that his experience can help lead the team back to the postseason.

The team’s pitching rotation, led by the promising Paul Skenes, is capable of competing with the best in the league.

However, the road to October baseball will not be easy, and the Pirates will need to continue improving across all facets of their game.

Even though McCutchen’s batting average may not be ideal for a player of his age, his ability to hit for power and draw walks keeps him valuable in the Pirates’ lineup.

He continues to be a difficult opponent for pitchers to face, and his leadership in the locker room remains crucial.

As the Pirates look to build on their recent progress, McCutchen’s experience and determination to return to the postseason will undoubtedly be an asset.