Pittsburgh Pirates Make Andrew McCutchen Signing Official

The Pittsburgh Pirates have made their re-signing of Andrew McCutchen official as one of the best players in franchise history has officially come home

Last Friday news broke that the Pittsburgh Pirates and Andrew McCutchen were in agreement on a one-year deal to bring him back home to Pittsburgh. One week later, the signing was made official and McCutchen is officially a Pirate once again.

It goes without saying that McCutchen is one of the best, most popular players in franchise history. With the role he played in helping to snap the franchise's streak of 20 consecutive losing seasons while also helping to guide them back to the postseason, he is also one of the most important players in franchise history.

McCutchen was traded to the San Francisco Giants following the 2017 season and has also played for the New York Yankees, Philadelphia Phillies, and Milwaukee Brewers since then. Now, McCutchen has officially returned to the Pirates for his 10th season with the Pirates.

In his first nine seasons with the Pirates, McCutchen accomplished just about everything there is to accomplish. In 5829 plate appearances he hit for a .291/.379/.487 slash line to go with a 137 wRC+ and 203 home runs. With the Pirates he was a five-time All-Star, four-time Silver Slugger Award winner, he won a Gold Glove in 2012, the Roberto Clemente Award in 2015, and he was the National League MVP in 2013.

Looking ahead to 2023, there should be plenty of at-bats to be had for McCutchen. He will be in the lineup each time the team faces a left-handed starting pitcher. McCutchen will likely be able to make multiple starts against right-handed pitching as well and will likely accumulate close to starters level at-bats this season.

The 2023 season should also be a season of milestones for McCutchen. He enters the season with 1948 career hits, 392 doubles, and 287 home runs. It only feels right that McCutchen will get to 2000 hits, 400 doubles, and 300 home runs while wearing the Pirate P on his chest.

To make room for McCutchen on the 40-man roster the Pittsburgh Pirates have designated Miguel Andujar for assignment. Andujar struggled in his short stint with the Pirates last September, and with McCutchen in the fold likely lost his spot as a platoon bat against left-handed pitching.