After a strong offseason for the Pittsburgh Pirates, there is one noticeable absence at their spring training: Andrew McCutchen. The former Pirates star struggled last season, finishing with just 0.1 WAR and a career-low 95 OPS+. Despite this, McCutchen has made it clear that he wants to return for another year with the team. However, the Pirates have not yet made a move to bring him back.
This has left many fans wondering why the Pirates have not re-signed their former star player. After all, McCutchen was a key part of the Pirates’ success for many years, earning five All-Star selections and a National League MVP award during his time with the team. So why haven’t the Pirates jumped at the opportunity to bring him back?
One possible reason is the Pirates’ focus on rebuilding and developing young talent. After a disappointing 2020 season, the Pirates have made it clear that they are committed to building a strong foundation for the future. This includes giving opportunities to young players and allowing them to grow and develop at the major league level. While McCutchen may still have something to offer on the field, he is no longer the young, dynamic player he once was. The Pirates may see more value in investing in their young players rather than bringing back a veteran player.
Another factor to consider is McCutchen’s performance in recent years. While he was a star player for the Pirates, his numbers have declined in recent seasons. In addition to his struggles last year, McCutchen’s numbers have been steadily declining since his MVP season in 2013. This could be a cause for concern for the Pirates, who may be hesitant to bring back a player who may not be able to produce at the level they need.
However, despite his struggles and declining numbers, McCutchen still has value to offer to a team. He brings experience, leadership, and a strong work ethic to any team he plays for. This was evident during his time with the San Francisco Giants and Philadelphia Phillies, where he was able to make a positive impact on the team’s culture and young players. This is something that the Pirates could benefit from, especially as they continue to rebuild and develop their young talent.
But while the Pirates have not made a move to bring back McCutchen, another team has shown interest in the veteran outfielder. The Atlanta Braves have reportedly expressed interest in signing McCutchen, and it seems like a perfect fit for both parties. The Braves are in need of a veteran presence in their outfield, and McCutchen’s experience and leadership could be just what they need. On the other hand, McCutchen would have the opportunity to play for a competitive team and potentially make a deep playoff run.
This potential move to the Braves could also be a blessing in disguise for the Pirates. With McCutchen’s absence, the Pirates have the opportunity to give more playing time to their young outfielders, such as Bryan Reynolds and Gregory Polanco. This could help them continue to develop and potentially become key players for the team in the future.
In the end, while it may be disappointing for Pirates fans to see McCutchen potentially playing for another team, it may be the best move for both parties. The Pirates can continue to focus on rebuilding and developing their young talent, while McCutchen can join a competitive team and potentially make a strong impact. And who knows, maybe one day we will see McCutchen back in a Pirates uniform, whether as a player or in a different role within the organization.
In conclusion, while Andrew McCutchen’s absence at the Pirates’ spring training may be a disappointment for some, it is important to trust in the team’s decisions and their commitment to building for the future. McCutchen will always hold a special place in the hearts of Pirates fans, but it may be time for both parties to move on. And who knows, maybe this potential move to the Braves could be the start of a new chapter in McCutchen’s career, one that could lead him back to Pittsburgh in a different role.
