Andrew McCutchen is set to embark on a 12th season with the Pittsburgh Pirates after reaching an agreement for a new contract. According to Alex Stumpf of MLB.com, the deal is a one-year contract valued at $5 million, ensuring that McCutchen remains a key figure in the Pirates' lineup as they prepare for the upcoming season.

During the 2024 season, McCutchen played his second consecutive season on a one-year deal with the Pirates, primarily serving as the designated hitter. In 120 appearances, he posted a batting line of .232/.328/.411 and recorded 50 RBIs. Additionally, he belted 20 home runs, marking his highest total since the 2021 season, although he faced a career-high strikeout rate of 25.8 percent. McCutchen, a first-round pick by the Pirates in the 2005 MLB Draft, had previously spent ten seasons with the club while establishing himself as one of the franchise's standout players.

Known for his most productive years in center field, McCutchen enjoyed a prolific career that included four consecutive Silver Slugger awards from 2012 to 2014, as well as earning the National League MVP title in 2013. Now a five-time All-Star, McCutchen, who celebrated his 38th birthday in October, has continued to produce as a designated hitter. The Pirates have facilitated his role by utilizing him as a pinch hitter and providing pinch runners during recent seasons. Last year, McCutchen surpassed Tommy Leach, moving to ninth on the franchise's all-time leaderboards with 1,578 games played and 6,817 plate appearances. With McCutchen returning, the Pirates will be looking for consistent performance and fewer strikeouts as he aims to be their primary designated hitter next spring. This development also poses implications for former No. 1 pick Henry Davis, who focused exclusively on catching and designated hitting during the 2024 season, potentially limiting his role as the Pirates assess McCutchen’s return.