The Pittsburgh Pirates will keep their legendary slugger, Andrew McCutchen, around for at least one more season.
McCutchen, who became a free agent after the 2024 campaign, agreed to return to the Pirates on a one-year, $5 million deal for the 2025 season. The Pirates confirmed the news on their social media on Monday.
“It was important for me and for everyone within our organization that Andrew remains in a Pirates uniform. It is where he belongs,” Pirates owner Bob Nutting said in a statement released by the team. “In my conversations with Andrew, he made clear his strong desire to help the team in every way he can, both on the field and in the clubhouse. I am glad he is back.”
Andrew McCutchen made his MLB debut with the Pirates in 2009 and went on to earn five All-Star selections and NL MVP honors in his first nine years with the franchise. The Pirates would go on to trade McCutchen ahead of the 2018 season to the San Francisco Giants. He later went on to play for the New York Yankees, Philadelphia Phillies, and Milwaukee Brewers as well.
McCutchen ended up returning to the Pirates in 2023 and proved to be a valuable clubhouse addition for a young team in need of leadership. He also put solid performance on the field, batting .232 with 20 home runs and 50 RBIs in 120 games.
However, the upcoming season might be the last for the 38-year-old slugger. When McCutchen re-signed with Pittsburgh ahead of the 2024 season, he said that he hoped to play for a couple more seasons and then retire with the franchise.
