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Andrew McCutchen, who needs just one home run to reach 300 for his career, will sign a one-year, $5 million contract with the Pittsburgh Pirates, a source revealed to ESPN on Tuesday.
McCutchen, 37, will be playing in his 16th season since joining the Pirates in 2009. Last season, he stated that he wanted to complete his career with the Pirates, and general manager Ben Cherington stated that he was confident it would happen.
McCutchen’s agreement with the Pirates was initially reported by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
Last season, the five-time All-Star and 2013 NL MVP hit.256 with 12 homers, 43 RBIs, 55 runs, and 11 stolen bases in 112 games, mostly as a designated hitter. He also brings a seasoned voice who knows what it’s like to win in Pittsburgh, having helped the team to three straight playoff appearances from 2013 to 2015.
McCutchen, who suffered a partly torn Achilles tendon in his left foot on Sept. 4, had previously reached 2,000 career hits while recording a.378 on-base percent.
His days in the outfield are probably numbered. He played a few games in right field in early 2023 before shifting to the designated hitter position.
With McCutchen’s familiar No. 22 back in the fold, the Pirates improved on the field and at the gate, finishing 76-86, a 15-game improvement over 2021. Last season, Pittsburgh averaged 20,131 people at PNC Park, more than 4,500 higher than the club averaged in 2022.
The Pirates think they are reaching the end of the franchise-wide transformation that Cherington initiated four years ago. In recent days, Pittsburgh has used the summer to add numerous proven players, including veteran left-handed starting pitchers Martin Perez and Marco Gonzales, as well as first baseman Rowdy Tellez.
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