Today, a homecoming of sorts took place.
The Pittsburgh Pirates signed veteran outfielder and former franchise cornerstone Andrew McCutchen to a one-year contract worth $5 million.
And so, the Pirates have reunited with a friendly face, one who won an MVP Award, five Silver Slugger Awards, a Gold Glove, and earned five All-Star selections.
Similar to Albert Pujols returning to St. Louis, McCutchen will now experience his homecoming.
On Twitter, a fan summed up the reunion with a clip from the SpongeBob SquarePants episode where SpongeBob is released from jail after tearing up Patrick’s license, yet is still greeted with a smile.
Andrew McCutchen returning to the Pirates pic.twitter.com/wNyMNxkrXY
— MLB Spongebob (@MLBSponge) January 13, 2023
Obviously, as far as we know, McCutchen didn’t tear up anybody’s license, but you get the picture.
After nine seasons in Pittsburgh to begin his career, the veteran outfielder was traded to the San Francisco Giants.
He also had a brief stint with the New York Yankees, spent three seasons with the Philadelphia Phillies, and spent last season with the Milwaukee Brewers.
The 36-year-old slugger primarily served as a designated hitter and fourth outfield option in Milwaukee.
He hit .237 with 17 home runs and 69 RBI.
McCutchen may be slowing down some, but is still plenty productive, and nothing changes the fact that he is loved and well respected in the Steel City.
He was the face of the franchise when they broke their 20-year streak of losing seasons, helping lead them to the postseason in three consecutive years from 2013-15.
Pirates fans will certainly enjoy seeing an old friend in yellow and black again.
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