In 2023, Andrew McCutchen joined the exclusive MLB’s 2,000-hit club, being the 291st member to do so.
Despite having offers from other teams, including the New York Mets, the outfielder/designated hitter of the Pittsburgh Pirates decided to return home for one final season. However, he fell short of another milestone, just one home run away from reaching 300 HRs.
According to reports, Andrew McCutchen has signed a one-year, $5 million deal to return to the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette was the first to report the news.
Sources: Pirates bringing Andrew McCutchen back. One year, $5 million. Story to come.
— Jason Mackey (@JMackeyPG) December 19, 2023
McCutchen (seen at the top doffing his batting helmet after that 2,000th hit) grew up in Fort Meade, Florida, and shone in baseball, football, and track there. He committed to the University of Florida, but the Pirates drafted him 11th overall in the first round of the 2005 MLB Draft, and he opted to sign with them instead of heading to college. He then worked his way through their minor-league system and made his MLB debut in June 2009.
After producing 1.5 wins above replacement, as per Baseball Reference, and hitting .256/.378/.397 with 12 home runs, he heads into another season with the Pirates. This was a step up from his .237/.316/.384 with the Brewers the previous season, making it attractive to see what another full season in Pittsburgh looks like.
