Andrew McCutchen Still Holding His Own In 2024
p/c: Ron Chenoy - USA Today Sports
Without a doubt, Andrew McCutchen was one of baseball’s most exciting players during the decade of the 2010’s. Five All-Star selections, four Silver Sluggers, a Gold Glove, and a National League MVP award would be more than enough evidence.
Then came the huge firestorm in January of 2018, when the Pittsburgh Pirates decided to trade their face of the franchise to the San Francisco Giants, in a deal that netted them Bryan Reynolds and Kyle Crick.
In the years that followed, McCutchen signed a well-paid, three-year deal, with the Philadelphia Phillies, and also played for the Milwaukee Brewers.
Entering the 2022-23 offseason, McCutchen found himself back on the free agent market. Speculation began to grow regarding a McCutchen return to Pittsburgh. It was discovered that Andrew’s wife, Maria, had encouraged him to contact Pirates owner Bob Nutting about a possible reunion.
On January 20th, 2023, the Pirates and McCutchen agreed to terms on a one-year deal worth $5 million.
McCutchen performed well offensively last year, posting a .775 OPS. However, a partial Achilles tear in September ended his ‘23 campaign on a sour note.
Sitting on 299 career homers, McCutchen had re-signed with the Bucs, on another one-year, $5 million dollar deal.
It didn’t take long for McCutchen to reach the 300 home run milestone, as he accomplished it on April 14th against the Phillies at Citizens Bank Park off reliever Ricardo Pinto.
As the Pirates find themselves in the mix of a very wide open NL Wild Card picture, their offense continues to be very inconsistent. That being said, McCutchen has been one of the few bright spots.
While McCutchen’s .242/.338/.404 slash line doesn’t appear to be strong, the underlying figures have been strong, such as his xwOBA and xSLG. The bat speed remains steady, and the Barrel % on baseballs is excellent, to this point.
The one constant for McCutchen throughout his MLB career has been his ability to get on base. As a leadoff batter this season, he’s using that skill set to his benefit. Since being inserted at the top of the Pirates’ lineup, McCutchen is reaching base at a .355 clip, and has a solid, wRC+ of 130. Oddly enough, he’s driving the ball more, with a .461 slugging percentage. Also, nine of his ten homers have come in the leadoff spot.
McCutchen is playing in his age 37 season, and so far, has been surprisingly good, especially when you consider that he’s coming off an Achilles injury only nine months prior. Obviously, the All-Star level production is no more for McCutchen, but he seems to have found a home in the leadoff role, with the Pirates this year.