Will one of the Pittsburgh Pirates’ All-Time greats continue his career in 2025?
It certainly sounds like he wants to.
Star outfielder Andrew McCutchen was selected by the Pirates all the way back in the first round of the 2005 Major League Baseball June Amateur Draft. He eventually made his big league debut in 2009 and developed into a star. He earned five straight All-Star nods from 2011 through 2015 and even took home the 2013 National League Most Valuable Player award.
McCutchen left the club in 2018 and bounced around for a few years with the San Francisco Giants, New York Yankees, Philadelphia Phillies, and Milwaukee Brewers. But, he returned to Pittsburgh ahead of the 2023 season and has been with the club since.
He has impressed this season with 20 home runs and 50 RBIs in 109 games played and he said he wants to continue his playing career in 2025, according to MLB.com’s Alex Stumpf.
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“Andrew McCutchen confirmed that he wants to keep playing in 2025,” Stumpf said. “I asked what still drives him to return. ‘Because I can do it. Just plain and simple… If I don’t embarrass myself, then I’m going to continue to keep going and doing it. If I get the opportunity, I’m going to.'”
If McCutchen wants to continue his career in 2025, the Pirates certainly should give him an opportunity to do so. He has been great for the team and is a fan favorite. If he can still contribute — like he has proven — why not continue the partnership a little longer?
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Featured image via Philip G. Pavely/USA TODAY Sports