When the Pittsburgh Pirates drafted Andrew McCutchen 11th overall in 2005, few could have predicted the profound impact he would have, not only on the franchise but on Major League Baseball as a whole. With a blend of speed, power, charisma, and professionalism, McCutchen became the heart and soul of the Pirates and one of the most respected figures in the game. Now, in the twilight of his career, his legacy is firmly cemented among baseball’s greats.
Early Days and Meteoric Rise
Born on October 10, 1986, in Fort Meade, Florida, McCutchen’s athletic gifts were evident early. After being selected by the Pirates in the first round of the 2005 MLB Draft, he rapidly climbed through the minor league system and made his MLB debut on June 4, 2009. In his very first game, he went 2-for-4 with three runs scored and an RBI, signaling the arrival of a franchise cornerstone.
By 2011, McCutchen had established himself as one of the game’s elite center fielders. His first All-Star appearance that year was just the beginning of a five-year run as one of the top players in baseball.
The MVP Years: 2012–2015
McCutchen's peak came between 2012 and 2015—a four-year stretch where he was arguably the best all-around player in the National League.
In 2012, he won his first Silver Slugger, finished third in MVP voting, and posted a .327 batting average with 31 home runs. The following year, in 2013, he reached the pinnacle of the sport: National League MVP. That season, he hit .317 with a .404 OBP, 21 home runs, 84 RBIs, and 27 stolen bases—leading the Pirates to their first playoff appearance in 21 years.
His 2014 campaign might have been even better offensively. He slashed .314/.410/.542 with a .952 OPS and a 168 OPS+, marking the most productive offensive season of his career. Despite not repeating as MVP, he was arguably the best hitter in baseball that year.
He added two more Silver Sluggers in 2014 and 2015 and was a mainstay in MVP conversations, earning five straight All-Star selections from 2011 to 2015.
The Franchise Leader
During his first tenure in Pittsburgh (2009–2017), McCutchen etched his name into the Pirates' record books. He became a franchise leader in home runs, doubles, walks, and WAR (Wins Above Replacement). His consistency at the plate, speed on the basepaths, and ability to come through in big moments made him the face of Pittsburgh baseball.
His leadership extended off the field as well. In 2015, he received the Roberto Clemente Award, honoring his commitment to community and charitable efforts, further connecting him to the legacy of one of the Pirates' most revered figures.
Journeyman Years: 2018–2022
After nine memorable seasons in Pittsburgh, McCutchen was traded to the San Francisco Giants in 2018 and later joined the New York Yankees that same year. He signed with the Phillies in 2019, where he showed flashes of his old form before suffering a torn ACL. Despite the injury, he returned to post solid seasons in 2020 and 2021. He spent 2022 with the Milwaukee Brewers, providing veteran leadership and power.
While no longer the elite player he once was, McCutchen remained a productive hitter and positive clubhouse influence throughout his travels.
A Triumphant Homecoming: 2023–Present
In 2023, McCutchen returned to the Pirates on a one-year deal. The reunion was emotional—for both fans and player. That year, he collected his 2,000th career hit and served as a designated hitter and mentor to a young Pittsburgh roster.
Now in 2025, at age 38, McCutchen remains an active contributor. As of June 1, 2025, he's slashing .258/.361/.393 with five home runs and 18 RBIs across 53 games. Most significantly, he recently tied Roberto Clemente with 240 career home runs as a Pirate, good for third all-time in franchise history.
Career Accolades and Milestones
- 5× All-Star (2011–2015)
- 2013 National League MVP (4 Top Ten Finishes)
- 4× Silver Slugger Award Winner
- 2012 Gold Glove Award
- 2015 Roberto Clemente Award
- 2,198 career hits (and counting)
- 324 career home runs
- 1,113 RBIs
- 220 stolen bases
- Over 50 career WAR
October Moments
Though limited in postseason opportunities, McCutchen made the most of them. In 13 playoff games, he posted a .264 batting average, with 5 home runs and 18 RBIs. His leadership and clutch hitting were instrumental in the Pirates’ three consecutive postseason appearances from 2013 to 2015, including their emotional Wild Card victory over the Reds in 2013.
A Lasting Legacy
Andrew McCutchen is more than a stat sheet. He is the symbol of Pittsburgh’s baseball rebirth in the 2010s. He played with heart, hustle, and humility, inspiring a generation of fans and players alike. His influence stretches beyond the diamond, as he remains deeply involved in philanthropic work and community engagement.
His Hall of Fame case will be hotly debated—but his combination of peak dominance, long-term production, and character may very well earn him a spot in Cooperstown.
As the curtain begins to fall on his incredible career, Andrew McCutchen continues to add chapters to his legacy—one hit, one walk, one ovation at a time. Whether or not he plays beyond 2025, his impact is indelible. He brought pride back to Pittsburgh baseball and did it with grace, power, and style. Simply put, Andrew McCutchen is a legend—on and off the field.
2025 may not be Cutch's finest season... but it is a good season. As of the writing of this, he has posed a 111 OPS+ and a .754 OPS. He is on-track to put up nearly a 2 WAR on a team that is only averaging 2.18 runs per game. He deserves another night under the stars!
Vote Andrew McCutchen for this year's All Star Team from the Pirates! Let's send him off as an All Star!
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Bruce holds degrees in Computer Science, Biblical History, and American History from Temple University and Liberty University; he has also completed a Doctorate in Educational Organizational Leadership at Abilene Christian University. He is a member of the Epsilon Pi Tau Honor Society, Golden Key Honor Society, Historical Studies Honor Society, and the Saber and Scroll Society. He has worked in educational technology for 30 years and specializes in building infrastructures for schools that work to support the mission of technology in education in the classroom. He has also served as a classroom teacher in computer science, history, and English classes at both the high school and College levels. His baseball career spanned nearly 15 years, from high school through Division I college ball and a stint in professional ball. He is currently a co-host on the Romantic About Baseball podcast and host of Ring The Bell: A Journey Through Philadelphia Baseball History.
