Morning Rundown: Andrew McCutchen signs with Pirates
Former MVP signs one-year contract to return to Pirates.
Former first-round pick, NL MVP, and one of the most decorated players in Pirates franchise history, Andrew McCutchen, has signed a one-year contract to play another season with the team that drafted him.
McCutchen, 37, returned to the Pirates in 2023 after being traded in 2018. He was initially drafted 11th overall by Pittsburgh back in 2005.
He had a strong season in his return, batting .256/.378/.397 with 12 home runs, 55 runs, 43 RBI, and 11 stolen bases while posting a wRC+ of 115, playing as the team’s primary designated hitter.
Unfortunately, things ended early as McCutchen partially tore his Achilles while running to second.
When he got hurt, he was one home run short of 300 for his career.
While bringing back McCutchen is big news, there may be more on the horizon for the Pirates, according to Jason Mackey of the Post Gazette.
“It's also possible — if not likely — that it will be upstaged soon by something bigger,” Mackey said in the article about what could come next after signing McCutchen, and it is announced.
Mackey also points out it is more than likely going to be a trade and one that could help the rotation beyond this year.
I think hank should spend 3 weeks doing two a days with the fort to get into catching shape
Seeing Cutch in a Pirates uniform always puts a smile on my face. I will never disagree with any decision to sign him, good baseball decision or not.