Pittsburgh Pirates Working on Reunion with Fan Favorite, Deal Could Be Completed Soon
The Pittsburgh Pirates appear close to working out a reunion deal with former MVP and fan-favorite Andrew McCutchen.
The following comes from Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette:
While starting pitching remains a priority, the Pirates are close to another offseason goal as it relates to the return of Andrew McCutchen, sources told the Post-Gazette this week.
Talks have heated up in recent days and will likely be completed by the early part of next week, sources said. Barring anything unforeseen when it comes to McCutchen’s health, the 37-year-old will sign on for a 16th major league season, his 11th in Pittsburgh.
McCutchen is recovering from a partially torn Achilles tendon so his availability for the beginning of the season is still up in the air, but his return would make for another great story for the organization.
McCutchen, who starred for the Pirates from 2009-2017, also returned in 2023 and hit .256 with 12 home runs and 43 RBI in 112 games. He also stole 11 bases and served as a veteran leader on a young team. He could do the same thing in 2024 as the Pirates look to move back closer to contention.
He's got 299 career home runs and is one shy of the magic 300 number, so that happening in Pittsburgh would also be a special moment.
Lifetime, McCutchen is a .276 hitter with the 299 homers and 1,045 RBI. He's a five-time All-Star, a four-time Silver Slugger, a Gold Glover and a former MVP.
He's played with the Giants, Yankees, Brewers and Phillies in addition to Pittsburgh.
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