Is it time for the Pirates to finally say goodbye to a beloved legend? While the team has made some intriguing moves, like acquiring power-hitter Brandon Lowe and reliable first baseman Ryan O'Hearn, a quiet period has followed. This lull has led some to believe the Pirates are already confident about securing first place in the NL Central. However, this assumption is far from guaranteed.
It seems the Pirates might have narrowly missed out on acquiring a player like Kyle Tucker, and the recent roster adjustments, while positive, are still just minor tweaks. The team has a significant journey ahead to prove these changes are more than just superficial. While they are certainly improved, they haven't even reached a .500 winning percentage yet.
Meanwhile, a rather inconsequential debate is brewing regarding the future of club icon, Andrew McCutchen. McCutchen, now 39 years old and having amassed a remarkable $131 million in career earnings, is actively seeking employment, even taking to X (formerly Twitter) to highlight his defensive capabilities.
He recently posted, “It is really funny how so many people say I can’t (key word) play defense. If it’s needed, I can not only do it, but do it like I’ve been out there all year. So, stop creating false narratives and take your wives or girlfriends out to dinner and get off the coattails of other men. That’s weird energy.”
But here's where it gets controversial... While McCutchen expresses frustration about perceptions of his defense, there's a contrasting view. The act of publicly campaigning for a job on social media, especially for a player of his stature, could be seen as an unusual approach. And frankly, the advice to "take your wives or girlfriends out to dinner" feels a bit out of left field, doesn't it?
Furthermore, it's a tough reality in Major League Baseball that a player's ability to run, especially as they age, is crucial. McCutchen also voiced his displeasure on X about having to provide a urine sample for MLB's drug testing at an inconvenient time. One might argue that this also falls into the category of "weird energy."
There's a prevailing sentiment among some Pirates media members that McCutchen should be allowed to play as long as he desires and then be offered a lifetime position with the team. And let's be clear, McCutchen is indeed a club legend. However, his legacy is perhaps best understood within the context of his era – a time when the Pirates made the playoffs but never advanced past the first round.
He earned the National League MVP in 2013, a significant achievement. Yet, in eight playoff games with the Pirates during that period, he recorded no home runs and no RBIs. It's highly probable he'll receive a statue at PNC Park, largely because someone from his generation needs to be honored, and it will undoubtedly be a revenue-generating event. Perhaps we'll even see a bobblehead of the statue!
And this is the part most people miss... While McCutchen is a significant figure, he doesn't quite stand in the same pantheon as all-time greats like Roberto Clemente, Willie Stargell, or Dave Parker. He's not consistently ranked among the top 10 Pirates of all time, nor is he projected for baseball's Hall of Fame. The most memorable moment of his tenure might be Johnny Cueto dropping the ball, which, while dramatic, doesn't quite compare to the iconic walk-off home run by Bill Mazeroski in Game 7 of the 1960 World Series.
To put it plainly, McCutchen and the era he represents can be seen as a "Family Dollar" level of historical significance for the Pirates, rather than a premium offering.
Now, regarding the idea of a new contract for McCutchen, his performance last season was respectable. His OPS of .700 was the third-best on the team, alongside an OBP of .333 and 13 home runs. He also led the Pirates with 67 walks. As one commentator on X aptly put it, "He’s a better option than some."
This sentiment could, humorously, be inscribed on McCutchen's hypothetical Hall of Fame plaque: "He was a better option than Jack Suwinski."
Ultimately, there's nothing inherently wrong with re-signing McCutchen. However, there's also absolutely nothing wrong with moving on and turning the page. This ability to transition and embrace new eras is something Pittsburgh sports teams have historically struggled with. What are your thoughts? Should the Pirates prioritize honoring a beloved past, or is it time to fully embrace the future, even if it means saying goodbye to a legend? Let us know in the comments below!
