The Pittsburgh Pirates today signed five-time All-Star, four-time Silver Slugger Award-winner and 2013 National League Most Valuable Player Andrew McCutchen to a one-year contract for the 2023 season.
The now Pittsburgh-area resident played each of his first nine seasons (2009-17) in the big leagues with the Pirates after the team selected him 11th overall in the 2005 First-Year Player Draft out of Fort Meade (FL) High School.
McCutchen returns to the Pirates after playing an instrumental role in helping the team return to the playoffs for three straight seasons from 2013-15. During that three-year period, McCutchen emerged as one of the best players in all of Major League Baseball both on and off the field after taking home MVP honors in 2013 while also being presented with the prestigious Roberto Clemente Award in 2015.
“We are thrilled to be able to reunite with Andrew. His return just feels right. It is right for our team, for Andrew and his family, for our fans and for the game of baseball,” said Pirates Chairman, Bob Nutting. “Andrew is a special player and person. It is going to be exciting to again see him take the field wearing 22 in the black and gold.”
The 36-year-old McCutchen ranks among the top 10 leaders in Pirates history in several categories, including fourth in home runs (203), seventh in extra base hits (539), 10th in total bases (2452), ninth in doubles (292) and 14th in games played (1346). McCutchen also ranks seventh all-time in Pirates history in games played (1327) among outfielders.
“Andrew means so much to the Pirates,” said Pirates General Manager Ben Cherington. “His past contribution to the Pirates and Pittsburgh speaks for itself. Most importantly for 2023, we believe Andrew’s on-field skill, work ethic, and experience are a great fit for our team.”
McCutchen played in 134 games during the 2022 season with Milwaukee where he hit .237 with 17 home runs and 69 RBI while collecting his 1000th career RBI on September 23.
