Veteran Andrew McCutchen is returning to the Pittsburgh Pirates for the 2024 season.
McCutchen and the Pirates agreed to a one-year deal, the team announced Wednesday. While the contract value was not revealed, multiple reports pegged it at $5 million.
McCutchen, the 2013 National League MVP during his first tour of duty with the Pirates, batted .256 with 12 homers, 43 RBIs and 11 steals in 112 games in his return to the franchise last season.
His season ended when he sustained a partially torn left Achilles tendon on Sept. 4, one shy of his 300th career home run.
“In every discussion with Andrew, it was clear we both shared the same strong desire for him to remain a Pirate,” team chairman Bob Nutting said. “He is a tremendous person, player and teammate. He is an all-time great Pirates player who represents our city with a deep sense of pride. His presence in our lineup and our clubhouse has had a significant impact on our young team. The way he plays the game on the field and carries himself in the community will continue to make all of us in the organization better.”
He's staying home. pic.twitter.com/l1YrycXSx8
— Pittsburgh Pirates (@Pirates) December 20, 2023
The 37-year-old McCutchen might exclusively be a designated hitter next season due to the injury. He only played eight games (seven starts) in the outfield last season.
McCutchen starred for Pittsburgh from 2009-17. He made five consecutive All-Star appearances (2011-15) during that stretch.
McCutchen has 2,048 hits. He has a .276 career average with 1,045 RBIs and 216 stolen bases.
He also has played for the San Francisco Giants (2018), New York Yankees (2018), Philadelphia Phillies (2019-21) and Milwaukee Brewers (2022).
–Field Level Media
