The Pittsburgh Pirates brought back a familiar face on Friday morning, signing veteran outfielder and former franchise cornerstone Andrew McCutchen to a one-year deal.
The deal is still pending a physical, but the 36-year-old slugger will enjoy a homecoming of sorts as he returns to Pittsburgh.
McCutchen played the first nine seasons of his storied career with the Pirates, hitting for a .291 average with 203 home runs and 725 RBI.
After his first nine seasons in Pittsburgh, McCutchen spent time with the San Francisco Giants, New York Yankees, Philadelphia Phillies, and Milwaukee Brewers.
On Twitter, Jon Heyman provided the financial details of McCutchen’s new contract.
McCutchen deal is for $5M with Pirates @JMackeyPG 1st
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) January 13, 2023
The veteran slugger served primarily as a designated hitter and fourth outfield option.
The 36-year-old hit .237 with 17 home runs and 69 RBI during the 2022 regular season.
He also had a WAR of 1.1.
For his career, McCutchen owns a 47 WAR, a .277 batting average, and a grand total of 287 home runs.
The slugger’s homecoming is a nice full-circle situation.
McCutchen broke into the big leagues with the Pirates in 2009 and was with the team until 2017.
He won the National League MVP Award in 2013 and helped guide the Bucs back to prominence after 20 consecutive losing seasons, carrying them to the postseason in three consecutive years from 2013-15.
The outfielder and slugger is also a five-time All-Star, a four-time Silver Slugger, and has a Gold Glove to his name.
McCutchen should be a key veteran voice in a young Pirates clubhouse, and could also serve as a mentor for some of the team’s younger players.
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