Andrew McCutchen is proving to be a vital asset for the Pittsburgh Pirates, showcasing a resurgence in his performance that recalls his prime years. The 2013 National League MVP has consistently occupied the third spot in the Pirates’ lineup, and he is now just two home runs away from tying Roberto Clemente for third place on the club’s all-time home run list, with 240.
Currently at 38 years old, McCutchen boasts a .275 batting average, the third-best on the team, accompanied by a .363 on-base percentage, which ranks second. His slugging percentage stands at .450, trailing only Oneil Cruz, who is having an MVP-caliber season. Over 24 games, McCutchen has achieved an .813 OPS, with 22 hits in 80 at-bats, including three home runs and 10 RBIs. His ability to maintain plate discipline is notable, reflected in a strikeout-to-walk ratio of 16:11.
As he has made his comeback in 2023, McCutchen has been a consistent and reliable force in the Pirates lineup, providing necessary protection for younger players like Reynolds and Bart. While some analysts speculated that he might only have a couple of years left in this phase of his career, McCutchen himself has expressed a willingness to see how this season plays out before making any commitments about the future.
Last season, he recorded a slash line of .232/.328/.411, resulting in a 0.8 WAR. Currently, his WAR for this season is already at 0.6, closing in on the coveted 50 WAR mark that many Hall of Famers have achieved. Despite an injury-shortened season last year, McCutchen’s performance this year suggests he still has much to give, particularly if he can transition effectively into a designated hitter role.
Fans of the Pirates are hopeful that they will witness McCutchen’s journey continue with the team for the foreseeable future, possibly extending into 2026. This return to his original team, coupled with a potential postseason run, would undoubtedly be a fitting conclusion to a storied career that started nearly two decades ago. The combination of McCutchen’s veteran leadership and the emerging talent on the team gives Pirates fans a reason to be optimistic as the season progresses.