For the third straight season, Andrew McCutchen took a one-year, $5MM deal to return to the Pirates. The 38-year-old right-handed bat will return for his 17th season, one year after he was one of Pittsburgh’s best hitters.
A Look at McCutchen
Pirates OF/DH Andrew McCutchen remained a productive hitter in 2024. The 38-year-old posted the tenth 20+ home run campaign of his career in 2024, as McCutchen hit .232/.328/.411 with 20 home runs and 39 extra-base hits over 120 games.
McCutchen’s 20 home runs were third-best on the Pirates, behind Oneil Cruz (21) and Bryan Reynolds (24).
Two seasons ago, McCutchen proved he can still be a key asset for the Pirates. He led the team in OBP (.378), something the Pirates sorely needed in order to score runs. McCutchen didn’t post as high of an on-base percentage in 2024. But, he remained an extremely patient hitter, as his 17.2% Chase% ranked in the 100th percentile per Statcast.
McCutchen’s 11.3% BB% remained above the league average. That’s an important note, as McCutchen was used for much of 2024 as the Pirates’ leadoff man. The 38-year-old spent the last month of the season, though, in the cleanup spot.
One other key metric to check in on with McCutchen is bat speed. That remained a strong spot of McCutchen’s game, as a mean average of 72.7 MPH remained above the league average of 71.5 MPH.
To this point, McCutchen has not slowed down in the power department.
The 38-year-old still hit fastballs well in 2024. McCutchen hit .271 with 16 home runs off the heat in 2024. However, he also sported the highest Whiff% (25.2%) of his career against fastballs last season.
Expect McCutchen to be the Pirates’ regular DH again in 2024. He only started two games in the outfield and played five games in the field as a whole.
Analysis
This is the third straight season where McCutchen received a one-year deal from the Pirates. McCutchen stated his desire in 2023 to stay in Pittsburgh for the rest of his career and thus far, team ownership has accomadated his wish.
And why not? McCutchen has been productive and last season, was the Pirates’ third-best hitter behind Bryan Reynolds and Oneil Cruz.
The sticking question for the Pirates heading into 2025 is how much more can their offense progress.
Spencer Horwitz, acquired from Cleveland this month, will look to be a more impactful bat than Connor Joe, who didn’t for much power in 2024 and provided value thanks to his eye. However, Horwitz was the Pirates’ only notable pickup to this date.
Meaning, much of the onus of the offense may be left upon Horwitz, Cruz, Reynolds, McCutchen, and hopes the likes of Endy Rodriguez and Nick Gonzales can provide support.
Given how the Brewers, Reds, and new-look Cubs are structured for next season, the Pirates will need as much offensive help to succeed in the NL Central.