Pirates Engage in Discussions to Reunite with Former National League Most Valuable Player

Discussions between the Pirates and Andrew McCutchen regarding a potential reunion are gaining momentum, according to Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. It's reported that an agreement between the two parties might be finalized by early next week.

The prospect of McCutchen rejoining the Pirates has been widely anticipated for several months. McCutchen, a longtime figure with the Pirates, returned to the team last year by signing a one-year contract worth $5 million. In this stint, he primarily served as the designated hitter while occasionally playing in the outfield. When he signed, McCutchen expressed his desire to conclude his career in Pittsburgh, a place that felt like home. This sentiment was reiterated in May, and despite a partial Achilles tear ending his season in September, Pirates GM Ben Cherington expressed optimism about negotiating a new deal during the offseason.

McCutchen, now 37, holds a special place in Pirates' history, having been selected as the 11th overall pick in 2005. His journey with the team included remarkable achievements such as being a five-time All-Star and winning the National League MVP in 2013. Despite signing a $51.5 million extension in 2012, McCutchen was traded after the seventh season of the deal, leading to the arrival of current cornerstone Bryan Reynolds in Pittsburgh.

After stints with the Giants, Yankees, Phillies, and Brewers, McCutchen returned to Pittsburgh last year, emphasizing his love for the city. Beyond sentiment, his performance demonstrated continued prowess, with a .256/.378/.397 batting line, 12 home runs, 19 doubles, and an impressive 15.9% walk rate in 473 plate appearances.

The timing of McCutchen's Achilles injury was unfortunate, occurring just one home run short of the milestone 300 career home runs. The 2024 season opener for the Pirates is away, potentially delaying the achievement. Nonetheless, McCutchen can expect a warm welcome from fans at PNC Park whenever he returns to the field next season.

If McCutchen resumes his role as the primary designated hitter, he will complement a lineup featuring Reynolds and Jack Suwinski in the outfield, Ke'Bryan Hayes and Oneil Cruz on the left side of the infield, Henry Davis behind the plate, and newly acquired Rowdy Tellez at first base. The Pirates currently project a payroll of $58 million, and re-signing McCutchen at a similar cost to last year would raise it to $63 million. The final payroll, however, remains uncertain, as Cherington mentioned an increase over last year's $73 million at this month's Winter Meetings.