It has been an open secret that Andrew Stefan McCutchen would be returning to Pittsburgh for the 2024 season, potentially his last before riding off into the sunset for retirement (or maybe not). News officially dropped yesterday that Cutch...
It has been an open secret that Andrew Stefan McCutchen would be returning to Pittsburgh for the 2024 season, potentially his last before riding off into the sunset for retirement (or maybe not). News officially dropped yesterday that Cutch was returning on a 1-year, $5 million deal and, after a year in which the 2013 NL MVP posted a .256/.378/.398 triple slash and a wRC+ of 115, it looks like having the hometown hero back is something both fans and the front office can be excited to see. That said, coming off a season where Cutch spent a total of 64.2 innings as a position player and the rest as a designated hitter, what will his role be entering his 16th season in the MLB?
McCutchen saw his triumphant return to Pittsburgh end abruptly after a partially torn achilles on September 4th cut his season short. He did post some VERY strong numbers, however, in his age-36 season. His on-base percentage was his highest since 2015 (.401) and posted his 2nd best BB/K rate (0.75) since 2013. He also reached career milestones with 2,000 hits, 400 doubles and 1,000 walks – falling just short of the 300 home run mark.
On the other hand, he was limited defensively due to right elbow inflammation early in the season which led to him playing 98 of his 106 games this past season as the DH. This may have resulted in a drop in power as his Isolated Power of .141 was the lowest of his career. His slugging percentage was the 2nd lowest number he’s posted after a .384 mark in 2022.
The Pirates are no stranger to a DH with high on-base skills but limited power numbers. They trotted out Daniel Vogelbach for 75 games in 2022 to net almost double the amount of walks (40) as extra base hits (23) while with the team.
Cutch’s contributions to the team go beyond value provided on the field: He has been a part of playoff runs while with the Pirates, Yankees, Phillies and Brewers. He has also endured through part of the Pirates 20-year-long playoff drought, including the 2010 season where the team went 57-105, their worst full-season record since 1954.
He has seen a lot over his time in baseball, now stretching over 18 years of professional ball. He can advise players on how to conduct themselves with media, how to overcome a slump and keep things light in the clubhouse – lest we forget Uncle Larry. He can provide guidance for a young roster in need of it as they push this team into contention.
But Cutch isn’t here as a prop. Per Pirates GM Ben Cherington, “[Cutch] doesn’t want to be a Pirate because he wants to be a hood ornament. He wants to be a Pirate to help us win games.” Cutch is in it to win it. He’s shown that fire on the field, in the clubhouse and on social media.
If he’s healthy enough to play in the field, expect to see him get reps in right field. If he’s not, he will slot in as DH a few times a week. He is still an above average hitter and can provide value in innumerable ways. How he fits into this team’s plans for the foreseeable future we will have to wait and see. But I, for one, am excited to have Cutch return ahead of PiratesFest.