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PITTSBURGH — Andrew McCutchen is beginning to feel that the conclusion of his baseball journey is on the horizon. However, as of now, that moment hasn’t arrived.
The five-time All-Star has committed to a one-year contract worth $5 million, ensuring his place in Pittsburgh for the upcoming 2025 season. McCutchen believes he can still impact the team significantly as they aim to return to playoff contention.
“The main thing for me is knowing that I can still compete and produce,” remarked the 38-year-old player. “I genuinely feel there is room for improvement within me, and I recognize that potential is still there.”
McCutchen understands that when he loses that enigmatic “it,” he will acknowledge that it’s time to step away from the game. The 2013 National League MVP is aware that that moment is drawing nearer, but he is not ready to call it quits just yet. Currently, he looks forward to embarking on his 17th season in Major League Baseball, of which twelve will have been spent in his cherished Pittsburgh.
He has expressed a clear desire to complete his career with the Pirates, the team that selected him in the 2005 draft. McCutchen spent the first nine years of his professional career there before making his return in 2023.
During the latter part of the previous season, General Manager Ben Cherington consistently indicated the need to retain the outfielder-turned-designated hitter, who recorded a batting average of .232 along with 20 home runs and 53 RBIs over 120 games last season.
Bob Nutting, the chairman of the Pirates, echoed this sentiment. “It was essential for me and our organization that Andrew remains with the Pirates,” he stated. “This is where he is meant to be. Through our talks, Andrew expressed a strong commitment to support the team both on the field and within the clubhouse. I’m delighted to have him back.”
For McCutchen, this is also a step toward building a legacy that could eventually lead to Hall of Fame recognition. As he enters the 2025 season, he boasts an impressive tally of 2,127 hits and 319 home runs. He ranks top ten in several significant offensive categories in a franchise with a rich history spanning over 137 years.
Though McCutchen admits there are aspects of preparing for the new season that are less enjoyable — such as finding a rental home for his wife, Maria, and their four children during their two-month stay in Bradenton, Florida, which serves as the Pirates’ spring training location — his competitive spirit remains intact. This drive played a pivotal role in propelling him to stardom and leading the team to three consecutive playoff appearances from 2013 to 2015.
“I always aimed to be in a position where I could play for as long as I desired or as long as my body would allow,” he noted.
Last September, McCutchen’s season was curtailed due to an Achilles injury, and he also faced hamstring issues during the last season. Despite these setbacks, he still managed to achieve the impressive milestone of 20 home runs for the tenth time in his career. He has spent part of the offseason focused on getting his weight down to 190 pounds, about ten pounds lighter than his previous season.
“I believe that will greatly benefit me and my legs,” he expressed. “Additionally, mastering when to push myself and when to ease off will be crucial. If I achieve this balance, I’m confident I can stay healthy and play in over 120 games, as I firmly believe I can contribute to the team’s success.”
Following two consecutive seasons of a 76-86 record, the Pirates have welcomed the NL Rookie of the Year, Paul Skenes, to their starting rotation. Despite a relatively quiet offseason in terms of enhancing the roster, McCutchen is still optimistic about the team’s future, even with a lineup that struggled at the lower end of the National League in runs, batting average, and home runs. The only major addition thus far has been the trade for first baseman Spencer Horwitz.
However, McCutchen doesn’t think it’s necessary for the Pirates to make extravagant purchases to be competitive. He remembers being the cornerstone of Pittsburgh teams with modest budgets that secured playoff spots for three straight years from 2013 to 2015. “There are aspects that cannot be quantified on paper,” he stated. “You just have to go out there and execute. It’s about doing the little things well, and that’s my commitment.”
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