Andrew McCutchen’s long association with the Pittsburgh Pirates came to an end this season when he signed a minor league contract with the Texas Rangers on March 6. The agreement, worth up to $2.5 million through performance incentives, marks a new chapter for McCutchen as he aims to secure a spot on the Rangers’ major league roster. This transition closes his second tenure with the Pirates, where he had agreed to a series of one-year, $5 million contracts from 2023 to 2025.
Don Kelly, who became the Pirates’ manager on May 8, 2025, after serving as bench coach and succeeding Derek Shelton, acknowledged McCutchen’s deep impact on the team and the city, reflecting on the significance of his departure.
“Yeah, excited for his opportunity there,”
Kelly said in a recent interview with DK Pittsburgh Sports.
“Obviously we all know what ‘Cutch has meant to the Pirates, to the city, you know, those years from ’13 to ’15 and longer for him and just wish him the best with the Rangers and excited for the opportunity he has there.”
Pirates’ Upcoming Series Offers a Chance to Face Their Former Star
The Pirates are set to face the Rangers in a three-game series from April 21 to 23, presenting a potential first encounter with McCutchen should he make Texas’ major league roster. Kelly expressed enthusiasm about competing against the former Pirates standout, responding simply, “Yeah, absolutely.” This matchup will be closely watched by fans eager to see how McCutchen performs in his new environment against his former team.
Reviewing McCutchen’s Contributions During His Return to Pittsburgh
Although McCutchen never quite matched his remarkable peak years from 2011 to 2015—when he was an All-Star every season and helped lead the Pirates to three postseason appearances—he remained a key offensive player during his second stint. His batting average stood at .242, with an on-base percentage of .345 and a slugging percentage of .391, accumulating a .736 OPS.
During this period, McCutchen ranked second on the team in home runs, doubles, hits, and RBIs, trailing only outfielder Bryan Reynolds. Serving as the designated hitter, he provided important offensive stability, although the Pirates fell short of reaching the postseason. Notably, the team started strong in 2023, going 20-8 in their first 28 games and 34-30 by the end of June, but long losing streaks saw them finish 76-86. In 2024, they were 55-53 at the trade deadline but struggled again to end the season at 76-86 after an 8-19 August run.
Roster Decisions and McCutchen’s Wish to Return
McCutchen expressed a desire to continue his career with the Pirates this offseason, but roster moves prevented that from happening. The signing of Marcell Ozuna blocked the designated hitter slot McCutchen had filled, ultimately prompting his departure. Despite the bittersweet exit, McCutchen’s legacy with the Pirates remains substantial.
McCutchen’s Place Among Pirates All-Time Greats
Andrew McCutchen is considered one of the franchise’s all-time leading hitters. He ranks third in home runs, fourth in walks, fifth in extra base hits with 644, sixth in RBIs, seventh in doubles and total bases, and ninth in hits. Additionally, he holds ninth place in games played for the Pirates, tenth in WAR with a 42.9 rating, and sixth in offensive WAR at 50.3. This impressive statistical footprint underscores the lasting influence he holds in Pittsburgh’s baseball history and the high regard in which he is held by fans and teammates alike.
