Andrew McCutchen, once hailed as a standout in centerfield, is now in the twilight of his career. Despite being 37 years old and signing a modest one-year, $5 million deal with his original MLB team, the Pittsburgh Pirates, he’s proving he still has plenty to offer. Recently, he showcased his enduring skill with a solid performance, including a home run, in a victory against the Philadelphia Phillies.
This latest home run marked McCutchen’s 300th in his illustrious 16-year career, a significant achievement in a sport where few reach such heights. It’s worth noting the bittersweet aspect of achieving this milestone against his former team, the Phillies.
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McCutchen’s ability to garner love from both Pirates and Phillies fans is a testament to his character and professionalism. Despite facing challenges, notably a disappointing 2020 season, where he struggled to perform up to expectations, he remains respected and admired.
Reflecting on his time with the Phillies, McCutchen acknowledges his own shortcomings, particularly during the pandemic-shortened 2020 season. Despite this, he received a warm reception from the fans, underscoring the appreciation for his contributions, even during his less successful periods.
McCutchen’s journey exemplifies resilience and dedication, with his recent resurgence with the Phillies showcasing his enduring impact on the game. Despite setbacks, he managed to finish his Phillies tenure on a stronger note, delivering a notable performance with 27 home runs and 80 RBIs, demonstrating his enduring value on the field.
Andrew McCutchen a Pirates legend through and through
Andrew McCutchen burst onto the scene as a standout for the Pirates right from the start of his major league career. His rookie season in 2009 showcased his diverse skills, resulting in a 3.4 WAR fueled by his ability to consistently reach base and wreak havoc on the basepaths.
While his power hitting developed later, with a notable surge in 2011 when he launched 23 home runs, McCutchen embarked on an impressive streak of eight consecutive seasons hitting at least 20 long balls, including a peak of 31 in 2013. Although he transitioned more towards power hitting in his later years, his most significant impact remains tied to his time with the Pirates, where he amassed 216 of his 300 career home runs.
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Despite his status as one of the league’s premier players during his prime, McCutchen experienced limited team success throughout his career, making the postseason only once with a brief stint with the New York Yankees in 2018. However, with the Pirates showing improvement in 2024, it seems that brighter days may be ahead, rewarding McCutchen’s loyalty to the team that nurtured him.
It’s somewhat unfortunate timing that McCutchen missed out on the Philadelphia Phillies’ rise to postseason prominence, coming close to a World Series victory in 2022. Nevertheless, with McCutchen still displaying productivity and the Pirates showing promise early in the 2024 season, there’s hope for a shot at contention in his remaining years.
