Andrew McCutchen’s career has come full circle. The Pirates on Friday formally announced that they’ve re-signed the franchise icon to a one-year contract for the 2023 season. McCutchen will reportedly earn a $5MM salary on the deal.
“We are thrilled to be able to reunite with Andrew,” Pirates owner Bob Nutting said in a statement within today’s press release. “His return just feels right. It is right for our team, for Andrew and his family, for our fans and for the game of baseball. Andrew is a special player and person. It is going to be exciting to again see him take the field wearing 22 in the black and gold.”
It’s a feel-good story for Bucs fans, who’ll surely give the five-time All-Star and 2013 National League MVP a hero’s welcome in his return to PNC Park. The Pirates selected McCutchen, now 36 years old, with the No. 11 overall pick in the 2005 draft. He immediately ranked among the sport’s top overall prospects after a strong post-draft showing in the minors in ’05, and by 2009 he’d reached the Majors and played his way into a fourth-place Rookie of the Year finish in the National League, hitting .286/.365/.471.
That served as a stepping stone into stardom for McCutchen, who’d spend the first nine seasons of his career in black and gold, hitting a combined .291/.379/.487 with 203 home runs, 292 doubles, 44 triples and 171 stolen bases. A true cornerstone player, McCutchen led the Pirates to their three most recent postseason appearances, in 2013, 2014 and 2015 — each a Wild Card berth. Pittsburgh only advanced in one of those three seasons, topping the Reds in a one-game Wild Card showdown in 2013 before falling to the Cardinals in that year’s NLDS.
McCutchen signed an early extension with Pittsburgh — a six-year, $51.5MM contract with a club option for a seventh season. That gave the Bucs some extra club control and cost certainty over a player who was then the face of the franchise, but as is so often the case with the Pirates and other low-payroll clubs, McCutchen surfaced as a trade candidate in the late stages of that contract. Nearly six years after that extension was signed, McCutchen was traded to the Giants in what was an unpopular move at the time but now looks like perhaps the best swap in former GM Neal Huntington’s tenure. In order to acquire the final year of McCutchen’s contract, the Giants parted with right-hander Kyle Crick and the man who eventually replaced McCutchen in the outfield: current center fielder Bryan Reynolds.
Since leaving the Pirates and entering his mid-30s, McCutchen’s production has begun to wane. He proved plenty productive in a 2018 season split between the Giants and Yankees — enough to land a three-year, $50MM contract with the Phillies. The first season of that deal saw continued production early on, but McCutchen suffered a torn ACL that June, missed the remainder of the season, and has since settled in closer to league-average in terms of offensive output. Over the past three seasons, he’s a .234/.325/.417 hitter — about three percent better than league average, by measure of wRC+.
McCutchen spent the 2022 campaign with Milwaukee and scuffled to a career-low .237/.316/.384 batting line in 580 trips to the plate. Even as McCutchen’s bat began to slow down in his post-Pirates days, he remained a potent threat against left-handed pitching, hitting southpaws at a .291/.407/.567 slash from 2019-21. However, that trend also dipped with the Brewers in 2022, as McCutchen turned in a tepid .221/.303/.434 line even when holding the platoon advantage. The Pirates will hope that was more of a BABIP-driven anomaly (.248) than the beginning of a true decline.
McCutchen served as the Brewers’ primary option at designated hitter last season (82 games) but also logged 50 games in the outfield. He hasn’t topped 93 innings of center field work since 2017, his last year with the Pirates, though, and at 36 years old it doesn’t seem likely that he’ll return to logging meaningful time at his former position.
There will naturally be some speculation about the signing of McCutchen and whether it serves as a portent for a subsequent trade of Reynolds, who requested one earlier this offseason due to a sizable gap in extension negotiations with the team. However, logic dictates that there’s no real connection here; McCutchen can’t play center field regularly at this point in his career, and even if Reynolds were traded, the Bucs would surely reallocate much of that playing time to younger outfield options they hope can be part of the team’s core moving forward.
Rather, McCutchen will likely get occasional looks at designated hitter, though with Pittsburgh already acquiring first basemen Ji-Man Choi and Carlos Santana this offseason, one of those two figures to be the main option at DH. McCutchen gives the Pirates’ outfield mix a complementary right-handed bat to pair with lefty-swinging corner options like Jack Suwinski, Cal Mitchell and Canaan Smith-Njigba, but his impact on the decision of whether to trade or retain Reynolds ranges between minimal to nonexistent.
Beyond the contributions he’ll make on the field and the mentorship he’ll provide to several up-and-coming young Pirates, McCutchen will give fans plenty to cheer for in 2023 as he chases down multiple career milestones. He’s just 52 hits shy of reaching 2000 in his career, and he’s only 13 home runs shy of 300. McCutchen slugged 17 home runs last year and hasn’t hit fewer than 13 in a full season’s worth of games in his career to this point, so he’s a good bet to reach both round numbers this year.
The Pirates don’t project as contenders this season, and McCutchen isn’t likely to push them over that edge, but the team has spent more this winter than in recent years. Pittsburgh has acquired Choi (projected $4.35MM salary) and signed free agents Santana ($6.725MM), Rich Hill ($8MM), Austin Hedges ($5MM), Vince Velasquez ($3.15MM) and Jarlin Garcia ($2.5MM). It’s still a modest slate of expenditures by MLB standards, but McCutchen will take them north of $30MM in added payroll this winter. Contrast that with last offseason’s $16.225MM in spending and the $2.5MM total they spent in free agency during the 2020-21 offseason, and the Bucs are at least on an upward trajectory as they look to buttress their young roster with some steady veterans who can raise the team’s floor.
Even with those additions, Pittsburgh’s payroll won’t reach $80MM, so they only deserve so much praise for taking more earnest strides to put a winning product on the field. That said, that low number still creates the possibility for further veteran additions, be it via the free-agent or trade markets.
Regardless, the Pirates should be an improved team in 2023 — due both to contributions from those new acquisitions and to larger, more productive roles from prospects acquired over the course of the rebuild. There’s surely hope that hopeful cornerstone infielders Ke’Bryan Hayes and Oneil Cruz will take steps forward, and the Pirates could plausibly welcome names like Endy Rodriguez, Liover Peguero, Quinn Priester and others to the big leagues for lengthy auditions. The allure of young talent alone gave Pittsburgh fans something to look forward to in 2023, but the return of a beloved franchise figure and one of the best players in recent Pirates adds an extra layer of sentimentality and, hopefully, another productive bat.
Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette first reported the agreement and the terms of the contract.
This makes my <3 go 😉
Returns home for his 2,000th hit, 400th double, and 300th HR.
50th triple. and 1,000th BB.
And World Series Championship – please no responses.. let a man dream.
Very happy for Pirates fans…wish that he came to Philly for another year but the storyline in Pittsburgh is better.
Must be collusion. How’s Miggy suppose to show he’s an above average MLB’er and not a 70 ops+ player if the Yanks and now PIT don’t play him everyday and bat him 3rd?
And 206th stolen base!
Collusion? Why? That makes no sense.
Response
100th CS is in sight!
… also 300th homer, 2,000th hit and 400th double. Nice round numbers that should all be achieved this year.
Happy WS Win my boy! Or girl
Does this mean that Andujar has to walk the plank? Shiver me timbers. Hoist the Jolly Roger.
I think there are better candidates to jettison. But someone like Swaggerty now doesn’t have much of a chance to make it out of spring training, barring injury. He’s on his last chance anyway.
More likely a platoon with Suwinski
And if he’s done after this year. Retire his number. I’d say he’s a HoFer too. Not first ballot. He’s been a solid player his entire career.
This dudes last name says IM A PIRATE
McCutchen? That’s a pirates name if I’ve ever heard one? They shoulda made him a lifer?
He’s had a great career, he’s underrated in my opinion.
Now, yes, but I felt he was overrated in his prime years around 2012-2014. Many guys are like that.
This whole Pirates team may be underrated this year. That division is comparably weak and the Brewers especially haven’t done much to improve themselves this offseason. Now, let’s be honest, the Bucs aren’t winning that division, but Pirates games should be entertaining this year.
Rotowire projects the following lineup (versus RHP)…not bad…
Oneil Cruz
Bryan Reynolds
Ke’Bryan Hayes
Ji-Man Choi
Carlos Santana
Andrew McCutchen
Rodolfo Castro
Cal Mitchell
Austin Hedges
No Suwinski against RH pitching?
Hope you’re not paying a subscription for that awful info!
Dirk-Suwinski should play every game at home against right handed pitching.
Definitely bad. Worse than bad.
Plus he’s a fan favorite, attendance should increase to a higher level than from the past few seasons
he moves the needle.
this season really comes down to Roansey and Keller in the rotation.
if, and its a big IF, both can pick up where they left off then Ben has added some nice depth all over the roster to be competent enough around the 2 young potential aces.
while they’re not ready to contend, things can happen if other teams in the division faultor
They’re over the limit on the 40 man roster, or will be once his signing becomes official
Who’s getting DFAed?
BOOM BOOM
MY SUPERNOVA GIRL
Very cool! Coming back home.
Welcome back, Cutch!
yes. welcome back. hearing Reynolds is not going anywhere either.
Not yet.
Rumors are the pirates are asking for a “Soto-like” return in a trade for Reynolds. Tough to give up your future for a guy who has been good, not great
Reynolds is absolutely great.
Reports are pirates are asking too much, it’s sad they just won’t extend him
Since 2019, Reynolds’ debut, there are 46 qualified outfielders with more Outs Above Average, 41 qualified players with a higher wRC+, 33 players with a higher fWAR, and 27 qualified outfielders with more Defensive Runs Saved (Reynolds is taxed with -6 DRS).
I think “good, not great” pretty much covers it.
Funny how Cherington tells competing GMs that Reynolds is worth all of their top prospects, but he doesn’t think he’s worth paying in a long-term extension
Reportedly, Cherington is demanding four top prospects from the Yankees, including Oswald Peraza, Anthony Volpe and Jasson Dominguez. I hope Cashman has the good sense to tell him to stuff it.
He won’t sign a bloody extension with the pirates, he’s said shiver me timbers I’ll walk the plank to get out of Pittsburgh
Maybe take a second and think. It’s obvious to me Cherington doesn’t want to trade him. Reynolds can request a trade all he wants but the fact of the matter is he’s Pirates property for three more years if they choose. Rival GM’s will call and to Cherington’s credit he has set the ask sky high. It like you own a super nice 1970 Chevelle that you love and don’t want to sell……but for a crazy amount of money you’d consider it.
The media and their need for content are pushing this non story. Cashman can stuff it too. Don’t meet my price… find someone else. What’s the odds that one of the four prospects you mentioned become anywhere as good as Reynolds? Prospects fizzle out all the time. Reynolds could be what the Yankees need to push them to the World Series Title you all want so badly. Will it be another failed October in New York?
At one point they told the Mariners they wanted Julio Rodriguez plus others for Reynolds.
Plays in a severe pitchers park. His road number are pretty stellar
He’s not very good and he’s old.
Bednar will be broken once his 6 years are up. I don’t extend him
Reportedly according to who? No way they are asking for that.
I agree you always ask high in a trade….never ask low. And the pirates offered him the richest contract in their history….
@I speak the truth
I think that’s a reasonable comment — up to a point.
If even two of the four prospects Cherington is asking for become better-than-average big leaguers, that’s a lot of value under team control on the cheap for a long time.
As for the odds of a top prospect being valuable, there’s this from Baseball America:
“So, how many how many of the All-Stars the past decade were Top 100 Prospects at one point? Overall, 61 percent of all-stars from 2009-18 were Top 100 Prospects—68 percent of hitters and 54 percent of pitchers.
“We also found that 72 percent (87 of 121) of multiple-time all-star position players over the past 10 seasons were once Top 100 prospects. Sixty-five percent (52 of 80) of multiple-time all-star pitchers over that same timeframe were Top 100 prospects.”
@ pink
I appreciate the well thought out reply. Currently the Yankees have four players in the MLB top 100 prospects list. Volpe #5, Dominguez #39, Peraza #50 and Wells #82. It’s obviously too early to know how it will turn out. Let’s go back to 2017 because it’s long enough to see some results. In that year the Yankees had seven players on the MLB top 100 prospects list. Torres #3, Frazier #24, Rutherford #37, Judge #46, Mateo #47, Kaprielian #58 and Sheffield #78. Take Judge out of it and knowing what we now know. I bet the majority of Yankees fans would gladly give up four of the remaining six for Reynolds. Obviously the risk for the Yankees is several of them turn out to be Judge. Which would be long odds. The risk for the Pirates is they receive Frazier and Mateo and two long shots. Which would be a huge bust. The Pirates will eventually trade Reynolds but it might not be until July 2025 unless knocks their socks off.
They offered Reynolds $12.5 million per season for 7 years, he wants $20 million
I heard they’re likely to make another offer before spring training starts and could explain why he hasn’t been traded yet
The pirates are asking way to much. What are other teams going to say? They are asking to little? Or very reasonable? Don’t fall for the gm bs talk and media games. If the price is so high and far away then why are the same teams calling now that called in November, August, last off season, 2021 trade deadline? Sounds like the asking price isn’t that unrealistic. I think im spring training they should offer him a contract that starts with a 1 and see if he says no to that.
I don’t think BC undervalues Reynolds. He offered an extension and wants to keep him. The owner isn’t willing to move on money, tying the GMs hands.
You can know the value of gold, even if you can’t afford it.
All three of the guys have done absolutely nothing at the mlb level. Bryan Reynolds would be the Yankees second best offensive player and likely an elite left fielder. His days at center are coming to an end. I don’t know about all 3 but asking for two and other prospects doesn’t exactly seem like a giant over pay.
Reynolds won’t be eligible for free agency until 2026 so yes his value for a significant return in a trade is valid
Being under control in today’s skyrocketing salaries makes him an excellent piece to trade for
@I speak the truth
Reasonable points again. But let’s look it from the other angle, not taking Judge out.
If the Yankees had given their first- and fourth-rated prospects back then, they’d have lost Torres and Judge. Judge was the #46 prospect by MLB’s rating in 2017, closest this year to Peraza, #50.
Judge and Torres have combined since 2019 for 30.2 fWAR to Reynolds’ 12.5 fWAR.
Peraza had his first taste of the bigs last year and batted .306 with a 139 OPS+ vs. big-league pitching in 49 at-bats and was credited with 1 OAA. Of all rookies with at least 50 PA, he ranked 8th in BB/K, not looking overmatched at all. It’s a tiny sample, but the Yankees had to like what they saw, and they passed on all the big-ticket shortstops based on their faith in Peraza and Volpe, the latter possibly destined to move to second base.
“The risk for the Pirates is they receive Frazier and Mateo and two long shots. Which would be a huge bust.”
Last year, Reynolds was credited with 2.9 bWAR. Mateo’s bWAR was 3.4.
P.S.
Reynolds was credited with 2.9 fWAR, Mateo with 2.8 fWAR. Mateo was credited with 11 OAA at shortstop. Only Swanson, Hoerner and Lindor were credited with more.
@ Fink – The numbers you cited are misleading. It makes sense that a high percentage of All-Stars were former top 100 prospects. I’m surprised it’s not higher. The important number is the percentage of top 100 prospects who become All-Stars. Much lower of course. 10%? Teams that trade stars for a package of prospects usually lose those trades….I question that Pirates would ask for Peraza, Volpe and Dominguez, and strongly question the accuracy of that report. That’s ludicrous. IF Pirates asked for that, it was to make the point that they aren’t trading him, not now at least.
As other posters clarified for me, bob, the wording says not that Cherington asked for all three but rather those three were in the pool of players he was asking for — whatever that actually means.
Thanks Fink, I missed that. Must be Brain Damage.
Nah, nobody can keep up with all the stuff in these threads, especially the way the system places the comments sometimes. It’s enough to give anyone drain bamage.
Teams should not meet the asking price that Pittsburgh has. But, he is that valuable to the Pirates, which is why they are putting for such an exorbitant price tag. The confusing part is why they don’t meet him somewhere in the ballpark of his desired contract. He would be a valuable bat for their future contending teams.
Flip that around. About 20% of top 100 prospects become a 2.0 bWAR player which is about league average. Less than 1 in 20 put up a 4.0 bWAR season which is considered All Star level.
Reynolds and most of the Pirate prospects couldn’t get Rodriguez.
Why do you continue to use fWAR knowing that is been useless for more than a decade? Since the ERA of extreme shifts started nearly 20 years ago, fWAR has been useless in measuring position player performance because it doesn’t take the shift into account at all. Its defensive metric is entirely zone based and players are not in their zone 52% of the time when LHB are at the plate and 17% when RHB are at the plate. That makes it wrong a huge percentage of the time.
Just go with the stat that takes the shift into account, bWAR.
3.75%
1. To say fWAR is useless is extreme hyperbole. During negotiations on the most recent iteration of the CBA, the league proposed using fWAR in a formula factoring in service time and career fWAR to establish players’ value, thereby eliminating the arbitration process.
There are several WAR systems, all with their own inherent strengths and weaknesses, and none should be taken for a precise presentation of a given player’s ability. WAR, by any calculation, gives a rough-sketch impression of ability. The advocates of each system all understand this.
2. The primary reason to use fWAR instead of bWAR in this discussion is convenience. Fangraphs allows us to combine several seasons’ worth of WAR with a few mouse clicks, without us having to refer to individual player pages to sum WAR totals separately.
A sensible response.
What shifts?
Where are people ‘hearing’ these rumors and things?
If only there were a site for that…
Since 2019 Only 3 outfielders have hit:
70+ home runs
90+ doubles
125 OPS+ or higher.
Mookie Betts, Bryce Harper and Bryan Reynolds.
Your stats are heavily skewed down because of the ridiculously bad defensive marks he got last year. Even move those numbers to average and all your ranks point to a great OF.
A 26 year old doesn’t go from 10 OAA to -7 as a 27 year old. We can’t hold 1 year of defensive data that seriously
I do agree with discrepancy in value between asking price and extension price, but that’s a pirates problem.
The high asking price is the receiving team’s problem not the Pirates. Pirates set the price high because they don’t want to trade him. He asked for a trade because they weren’t close in the contract extension talks, aka they want to extend him not trade him.
It’s not like the NLC is full of juggernauts. In 2 years the pirates could easily be in the hunt if they catch a few breaks. Hayes, Bednar and reynolds is a good start. If Cruz turns out to be as billed you’re one step closer.
Here you go, Stevil:
nj.com/yankees/2023/01/yankees-pirates-bryan-reyno…
Yeah, that’s what I was implying.
It doesn’t say those specific players were asked for. It says Pitt asked for several players from a group that includes them. How large is this group? It’s click bait, nothing more.
Dustys, since 2019, 22 outfielders have hit more home runs than Reynolds, 10 have hit more doubles, and 18 qualified outfielders have a higher wRC+, a metric that tracks closely with OPS+.
I used a four-season sample of defensive metrics above. If you eliminate last year’s and just combine 2019-2021, there are 12 qualified outfielders with more Defensive Runs Saved; and if you expand the pool of outfielders to those with at least 1,000 innings in the field, 35 outfielders are credited with more DRS.
Again, nobody’s saying Reynolds isn’t above-average. He was an All-Star last year. But we’re talking about the difference between good and great.
From 2019-2021, Kiermaier is credited with 35 DRS, and Betts and Judge are credited with 34. Reynolds is credited with 8 DRS.
Kiermaier is credited with 32 OAA, and Margot and Bader are credited with 30 OAA. Reynolds is credited with 14.
Another caveat: defensive metrics are iffy, and IMO not terribly reliable in their current state of development. I don’t think anyone should draw inflexible conclusions from them, especially given how contradictory they can be. But since they’re all we have, I think a broad survey of the available metrics is a fairly reasonable way to get a rough-sketch picture of fielding ability when we haven’t seen a lot of a player’s work in the field.
Also, in Reynolds’ defense, PNC Park is not kind to home run hitters. But since 2019, he has 124 more plate appearances than Aaron Judge, and Judge has 63 more home runs.
So, all things considered, I still think “good, not great” is a fair description. Or, on second thought: “very good, not great.”
Yes, but is he the difference between flaming out in the playoffs and getting to the World Series? If he is, then he is worth a LOT. The Pirates can ask for whatever they want. If they’re giving you value then they need value in return. They can hold the Yankees hostage if they think he would be valuable to them. And apparently, measuring Yankee fan lust for him, he does have value. So, it’s a fair ask.
Speaking for myself, I’d be glad to get Reynolds, but I’m nowhere near certain that he’d thrive in Yankee Stadium. I don’t know anything about his psychological makeup. He’s played well there, but in only two games, and there was no pressure for him to perform for the home crowd.
They make them up. That’s what rumors are. Made up BS
this isn’t the only baseball related site for rumors
it’s called “ google “
will get 300 and 2000 in Pittsburgh this summer.
Love this
Everybody liked that.
Dang I was hoping he would get another couple years on condending teams before making a comeback tour. That being said the pirates could flip him at the deadline if he hits.
Doubt they flip him. This is probably the farewell tour.
IMO if he’s good enough to flip, it’s because there’s enough gas in the tank to keep it from being a farewell tour. He’s probably on one year deals until the end comes.
He’s there to sell tickets! Any on field contribution will be welcomed.
Once the Pirates sign Bauer they will be contenders.
Don’t know if you’re kidding or not, Dream. Guess I see it two ways. On one hand, the team needs good PR for an extended period after the Vasquez train wreck. Signing Cutch is a slam dunk. Don’t know how they’d spin the Bauer story
On the other, I have to think that if it’s not a team like the Pirates, just where could he possibly go?
I was kidding about 1 guy making them contenders but they should sign him. A potential ace for league minimum. Could be a pitching professor for the rest of the staff. News wise Pittsburgh is one of the least cared about markets. I believe most fans are all talk and most protesters aren’t season ticket holders. With 1.2 million 2022 attendance it doesn’t matter anyways. Once they start winning 2 to 2.5 million people will show up regardless and the winning will start soon. They already have a convicted woman beater on the team. So adding someone who is accused shouldn’t be a problem. If you are fine with Bae you should be fine with Bauer. I think he will either be black listed like Bonds or will go to a team that has or had other guys with similar charges accusations.
Yeah, I get your point. We saw the protests here when Mike Vick joined the Steelers. Difference in the situation is that Vick was convicted and served time. Even so, the rancor gradually died down
Adding Bauer changes the entire scenario where contention is concerned but begs the question, if they do contend, what does it do to the TB/Cle strategy? In fact, if they show marked improvement, let’s say by finishing near .500, do they push away all the signees at deadline time or at season’s end or do they push the second wave of kids back?
Getting way ahead of myself, of course. Competing is one thing. Contending in a weak division, another
Protest only matter if they hurt the bottom line. Did you see empty seats when the Steelers had Vick? You can do any crime other than rape and fans will cheer you on if you help their team win.
Santana Hill Choi Cutch don’t have tremendous value. More valuable to keep them and have the excitement of 80 wins or above 500 than a non top 150 prospect. The extra season ticket sales for 2024 are more valuable. But if 80 isn’t possible you trade every rental you can. Even Cutch. Bring him back in 3 months.
Protest only matter if they hurt the bottom line. Did you see empty seats when the Steelers had Vick? You can do any crime other than having someone against their will and fans will cheer you on if you help their team win.
Santana Hill Choi Cutch don’t have tremendous value. More valuable to keep them and have the excitement of 80 wins or above 500 than a non top 150 prospect. The extra season ticket sales for 2024 are more valuable. But if 80 isn’t possible you trade every rental you can. Even Cutch. Bring him back in 3 months.
Bauer was never an Ace without cheating. Take away the super tack and he is a 4+ ERA starter. Back of the rotation. He hasnt pitched in a game for a couple seasons so it’s doubtful he does even that well in 2023.
If you owned the team would you be willing to take on the extreme PR hit for a guy that would be your #5 starter?
This is awesome!
Yes I love all the respect for “Cutch” and its all well deserved.
Who are these Pirates and what are they doing this year that have enough money? This might be a dream, idk.
He’s not going be paid much lmao. I’d say $5M tops
It amazes me to no end that a person likely making no more than $50,000 (and that is probably being generous) this year refers to a $5 million dollar salary as not getting paid much. This is not Monopoly money we are talking about here.
#1: That’s highly speculative on your part (the poster’s yearly income. I’m also curious what you are trying to infer about them.
#2 They are likely to be referring to 5mm as “not much” within the context of average MLB salaries given to MLB free agents in present day times.
Whatever McCutchen gets will be objectively not a lot of money for a MLB free agent contract, get off your high horse lmao.
Yes and he is also laughing his ass off apparently about 5 million for some reason.
All I was laughing about is that signing McCutchen doesn’t mean the Pirates are changing their spending habits, because he’s not costing them much. I don’t know why that’s so contentious to you guys
A player is worth exactly what a team is willing to pay for said player. If another team valued him more, they would’ve offered him more. If he was offered more, but didn’t want to sign it doesn’t matter what his “value” is. Value is not what you could get, it’s what you get. Get off YOUR high horse.
If you guys are baiting me you’re doing a great job, I’m really confused
#1 Not highly speculative at all simply because people making big money are not likely hanging out on a baseball website in the middle of the day. I don’t think I am going too far out on that limb.
#1a. I don’t infer, you infer. I imply.
#2 $5 million is still a pretty good salary for a guy like McCutchen that provides more in “name value” than in field value
Why would you assume someone making “big money” wouldn’t peruse a baseball website in the middle of the day.
Does making “big money” to you require the person to keep their head down and their focus on the money coming into their pocket?
Do you think it requires a certain level of attention whereas it’s the only item you can give your attention too?
That sounds like a job!!!
Most people making “big money” don’t have a job, and have lots of free time!!
That’s why most people want “big money”
Gotta be really careful with assumptions when you haven’t experienced the subject yourself first hand
Roiste is a below average commentor. He really should just stop with it all.
So you think most people want big money so they can live the life of either people in offices neglecting their job or unemployed bums? Interesting take, but I have to disagree with it.
Jays: talk about the pot and kettle! Christ! Take your own self riteous advice about assumptions.
Step off YOUR high horse and take a breath.
Making 50K a year infers slightly higher than average earnings in the US.
The few people with “big money” that I know know work their butts off.
Yes, I realize that, but I was giving him the benefit of the doubt. It would have been too mean to imply that he was basement dweller living on a disability check or something.
Interesting take that you either have to be neglecting your Job or an unemployed bum to be a member of this or any forum.
Very interesting.
Let’s just say while I was living in Bali Indonesia for a year, I’d often pull out my cell on the beach or in my room and check out what was going on in the western world and give my 2 cents
And even today while on my way to visit a client, I decided while waiting to again check to see what’s up in the world of Sports.
I didn’t realize I had to sacrifice all monies or tie myself down to a slave job in order to contribute here.
My apologies,
P.s. nor am I trying to flex or brag. It’s just so many people here wanna die on hills they aren’t even standing on.
Sometimes you have to illuminate the reality to people with blinders on
So much hostility for a comment on the Pittsburgh Pirates’ spending habits 🙁
Small sample size but people I know who visit this site make 6 and 7 figures and certainly are on here during the day. Business owners and executives spend a lot of time on calls, meetings, cars and planes. All excellent times to get your baseball fix. I would think people making less than 50 are too busy working to be on here. Always figured most really active people on here are retired or living with mom. Also it’s the 21st century. Not everyone works 9 to 5.
You are correct. Everyone is obviously a millionaire hanging out on a beach. That is much more realistic than my take. Thank you for illuminating the reality to me. I see no reason to continue.
Yea you’re right. I obviously said everyone here except you is well off blah blah blah.
Hard to have intelligent conversation with someone so ignorant
You know why you’re wrong.
I see no reason to continue either when you’re obviously a troll who wants to create issues where there are none.
Good chat!
Each MLB team got $30mm from the sale of 15% of BAMTech to Disney.
Also, David Samson said on his podcast that teams contribute to a fund to pay players during the event of a lockout, but since the CBA has been re-upped for 5 years (now 4) that the teams get that money back temporarily and then they’ll put back into it again closer to the ending of the current CBA.
Great to see. Classy player. Hope he has a Carpenter-like renaissance season
YEEEEEEESSSSS!!!!!
That’s great for him and the Bucs.
Whoa, did not expect that! OF of Reynolds, Cutch, and Suwinski sounds pretty good to me.
More likely that Cutch and Suwinski platoon in RF than having them both playing everyday. I think Bae should play and bat leadoff everyday since his speed is an element the team as a whole is sorely lacking. I slightly prefer him in center instead of second base simply because I think it’s more likely the infield shapes up before the outfield. So I guess I’d go with Reynolds, Bae, Suwinski/Cutch in the outfield. These free agent signings of Cutch, Carlos Santana, Ji Man Choi and acquiring Andujar last season and Connor Joe this offseason will make the bench much better this year than in the recent past.
I think Bae plays 2B until Reynolds is traded (if that ever happens) or until Gonzalez is ready to come up. He has to outplay Castro though. Lots of potential competition this year. That means if there’s any proverbial cream, it should rise to the top.
That’s awesome!
Wish TB would have done the same with Longoria.
Extremely rare Pirates W
My first thought as well.
Broken clock is right twice a day type thing, I guess.
They’ve actually had a decent offseason. Quiet by other trans standards but decent.
I agree their signings have been pretty good, but the Reynolds negotiations were a bad look. The offer they gave him was horrible, and it’s never a good sign for an organization when a star requests a trade like that
Getting Cutch back is the only move they’ve done that might win back some of that lost good will
woahhh, im sooooo scared, now the pirates are really a threat, woahhhhh
Hater.
Says the lowly cubs fan
Coming from a guy whose team has won one WS crown in 100 years and likely will have to wait 100 more for another, that’s priceless. It’s ok. Maybe Rizzo will return to the Cubs someday and bring Javy with him
Kind of a huge fall from grace to be reduced to ragging on the Pirates, no?
Anyway, a move like this is good for baseball.
lol good luck finishing 3rd in a weak division
After 3 straight years in last place, I think most Pirates fans would be pleased with a third place finish.
I believe he was referring to the Cubs since the commenter was “CubsWin108.”
Happy to see McCutchen come full circle.
Really can’t let them be happy huh. What are the cubs doing these days? Anybody care? This is a much better story
Cubs fans are reduced to baiting people into the ‘you got 1 WS title in 100+ years and now you’re irrelevant again’ line, so they can come back with ‘when’s the last time your team won anything’? junk.
It’s old, it’s tired, but it’s all they have to cling to right now.
You mean a threat to the Cubs for the first overall pick in 2024?
The agreement is pending a physical.
– Should make for some drama. Maybe the Mets swoop in and sign him, pending a physical.
Then the Twins?
Only for him to return to the Brewers?
Naw. They have VanMeter now. They’re set for a championship run
Hes too expensive for the Brewers this year. Remember, all those arbitration guys they have to sign..
Ends up a Giant??
Happy to see it.
As a Mets fan I was happy to hear NY was interested in him a few days ago. He’s a great player and an unbelievable clubhouse presence. Good to see him go back home at the end of the day. Final season possibly? I don’t see Cutch looking for a retirement tour.
What an awesome surprise. Great signing
This is great! He’s always been a Pirate. Would be cool to see him lead Pittsburgh back to the postseason.
I think he’d need to be around in 2-3 years to see that. But the Pirates have had a decent offseason so far so who knows.
As an Angels fan, I’ll admit the NL Central is the division I pay the least attention to during the season. But I love whenever the Pirates hit the postseason. Blackout games at PNC in October just look so sick!
More like come along for the ride. His days of leading a team are long gone. Elite pitching and young power hitters is what leads pirates to post season.
Guess Anduar might be odd man out again!
I think he’d be a decent option as a super sub but yeah, it looks like his chances of starting are dwindling given this and their 1B signings.
Now that I think about it, I’d bet they use Cutch a lot at DH and Andujar still sees a decent amount of time in the OF.
I know Cutch is not what he once was defensively, but is he not better than Andujar out there?
No he’s gotta play the outfield. Save the DH at bats for Choi/Santana
I assume they were platooning at first? Although I did expect Santana to play against righties some which would have both in the lineup. Choi and Cutch won’t be competing for the same ABs.
Choi/Santana/Andujar will platoon 1st while Cutch/Andujar will platoon with Suwinski in RF. DH will go to the platoon partner who isn’t in the field.
Any and all will be flipped in July if:
A) They are playing well
B) The Pirates are >10 games under 500
Suwinkski is unlikely to be traded though. The rest is spot on.
As a Padres fan would have loved to see him in brown and gold but as a baseball fan absolutely love this. Happy for him and the Bucs/Bus fans. Awesome!
22 better be available!!
It actually is, because the closest taken number is 23, which belongs to Mitch Keller.
Pittsburgh loves it’s old stars.
YEEEEEEEEAAAAAAA
Great signing for the Pirates. Cutch will always be one of my all-time favorite non-Ranger players. That seems to likely force Andujar out, so maybe trade for Andujar and Bednar makes sense for the Rangers.
I think cutch will be mostly a DH…welcome back
Mostly a outfielder
Who plays center, Reynolds or McCutchen?
Cutch can no longer play center. He’s probably the DH more often than not.
Doubt he’s the primary DH with both Choi and Santana on the roster. Cutch will get some looks at DH, for sure, but he’ll probably play a fair bit of corner outfield as well.
Thank you Steve. When I wrote my post I completely forgot about Santana. Cutch can still hold down a corner OF spot in PNC.
Cutch is a awful dh. When he can no longer play the outfield his career is over unless he somehow discovers the ability to hit without playing the field.
Awwwww. That is so correct. He should have been a Pirate for life.
Love this. One of my favorite players.
Happy for you Pirates fans even though we could have used him.
Hoping for another coming home for Duvall now!
I am glad, he went home, but he might have been a good fit on the Orioles
Farewell tour?
Probably stays a Pirate until he retires excluding maybe August September October this season. Can see him bringing him back for 2024 as long as he can still play and trending that he can.
I’ve got a huge smile on my face right now. Welcome beach Cutch. We finally did something right.
I can support this move.
Can’t remember where, but his wife is from Western PA. Guessing that was a key factor.
This is also the only player the Pirates could have realistically signed who would actually sell some tickets, too.
Why not?
You’re right. And he made his home here (Don’t know if he still does but will surely move back if not). Was involved in local charitable events. Was often seen at Steelers and Pens games
Too bad they couldn’t have done the same with Neil Walker a few years ago, a local guy who stayed in the area. But so be it.
Someone above wrote “Pittsburgh loves its old stars”. That’s only partly true. We love the stars who embrace the city and become Pittsburghers. Don’t know if any other city has the same vibe
I used to think yinzers were the biggest homers.
Until I learned about Canada. Everyone pales next to Canada when it comes to homerism.
Cutch coming back has made sense for the past few years as he’s declined and his price came down, but wasn’t sure he’d be willing to come back as a lesser player to the place he was a star.
Wife is a local and still have a home there last I heard.
They named their first-born child Steel after the city. That’s as close as it gets to having the city literally in your blood as far as I’m concerned.
Congrats to the Buc-O’s and their faithful. Hoist the Jolly Roger!
That’s cool. Only 52 away from 2K hits.
As a Brewers fan who’d always enjoyed/hated having to see the Crew face Cutch for all those years, I was still actually glad to have him and his energy on our team last year. But I also like seeing good homecoming stories like this one and will root for him to see some of his former glory upon a return to the Pirates.
He was kinda brutal to watch for a stretch there. Was hoping he could have a resurgence last year with mostly DH duties to focus on. But yeah, he was hitless for a month last summer. Yikes
I was hoping this would happen! Good for Cutch and fans!
This is the first thing the pirates have done since 2015 that made me happy!
Hard to please
I am a Cards fan and this makes me happy.
Kind of like the same way I felt when the Cardinals signed Pujols. I changed my mind when he got back to mashing the Pirates.
Seriously. If Pujols and Wainwright had both only ever played against the Pirates they’d be considered the 2 greatest players of all time. Both have absolutely dominated Pittsburgh their whole careers.
I hope Cutch has a great comeback season too. I always pictured him going back to the Bucs. Looking forward to that first at bat at the PNC. It will be such a feel good moment. Good luck Andrew.
“How can you not be romantic about baseball?”
Happy for Bucs fans. If he didn’t sign with the cubs which I knew was unlikely this is what I had hoped for him. I used to watch him play for the pirates AAA club the Indy Indians. He always played hard. Him and J.J. Hardy were on that team.
This is what I was hoping for but didn’t see it happening. Ben surprises me, maybe Bob had something to do with it. Bob really likes Cutch and didn’t want to trade him to begin with.
Hopefully they add some options to this deal. If he can stay around league average and able to play some right field he could be part of the next pirates window, assuming the pirates push it next year. That would be a great story and thinking of it brings a tear to my eye.
Pirates needed OF and now they got another player who can. And really a full outfield with more veteran players. with Cutch, Choi and Reynolds with one of them going to DH if another option crops up.
Great signing all away around.
Hopefully no options. They should trade him at the deadline unless everything goes right and they are contending. Grab a prospect, give him a shot at a ring, bring him back for 2024. No options needed. If the Pirates want Cutch they have him. He won’t hold them hostage for every last dollar. He wants to be in Pittsburgh.
I want him locked up on contract until his kid graduates high school 🙂
I want J-Hay back too.. but even if he were to comeback i don’t know where they would put him… maybe he could be the setup man.
maybe i’m over emotional about it… Just grabbing on to the memories of fighting for playoffs not last place.
It’s about what the players want as well. Great chance Cutch wants traded to play October baseball. At his age he is probably taking it a year at a time. They will be fighting for playoffs soon enough. They had to be bad the past 2 1/3 seasons to be good. Now they are set up for the rest of the decade at least.
I’m still hoping for a decent 2023 run setting the stage for a full push in 2024… if they’re not going all out by then… might as well just watch curling reruns for another 5 years.
Will they DFA Swaggerty?
Why would they DFA swaggerty….makes no sense
They need to dfa someone. Maybe 2. The list of options is short.
yeah, Swag is probably on the shortlist to DFA but I sure would like to see him a little more before doing so. Time is not on his side.
Probably Vildale Swag. Gave contract to Underwood Andujar. Wouldn’t rule out Jong. Maybe trade another outfielder. We will find out soon enough.
This is great!! Love cutch
Wonder if a retirement announcement is coming next?
Probably trade and free agent signing before retirement.
Pirates outbid Cohen and the Mets.
That’s my story and I’m sticking to it.
A borderline hall of famer. To me, this isn’t simply nostalgia; he can still help many clubs. Not an every day player any longer most likely; however, in addition to mentoring the young Bucs, he can still contribute at a decent level. Cutch ain’t no charity case.
Borderline hall of famer ??? Bwaaaaaaa Bwaaaaaaa. Bottom of the barrel my friend. Decent player for a few years. Hanging on to long.
You’re all over this thread, peeing all over your shoes for everyone to see. What’s the point? The Pirates have been perennial doormats for some time now, so why not throw cold water on a feel good story for a franchise that desperately needs one?
As for the Hall of Fame, who knows? Harold Baines is in the Hall. Larry Walker is in the Hall. Cutch in his prime was head and shoulders above both
Meanwhile, maybe a nice, long walk will suit. Maybe you can buy a puppy
Moron
Nice hammering Tired! That guy is a clown.
Wow touching your nerve as .the mlb comment moral moderator. My opinion is My opinion golden shower lover. Neither Baines or Walker belong in the Hall of fame. McCutchen a nice player but nope. Sorry for the bucs fans because they have a horrendously run franchise??? Old dude get some rest.
How ya doing, Clepto? I’ve missed you. What are your thoughts about this signing?
Hank is turning over in his grave at your use of his name so pathetically.
A good opinion is great MLB talk. But you’re stupid opinions are made by trolls
Tired: in the famous words of Chris Farley, “Tommy Likey!, Tommy Want Wingy!”
better than decent player almost all of his career. his career with the pirates was outstanding. even with tailing off after the trade he has been a better than average player most of the time.
There are a lot of good players who are not generational players getting on the HoF ballots. Andrew’s name could easily be on the ballot. with his likability get in after a few years of being on the ballot.
Not even close to hall of fame unless he plays into 40s. Really short on peak years.
You missed my point. Anyone telling you they have their ear to the ground about qualifies as a HoF career is lying to you
Look at Baines, Walker. There are others, especially in this new era of Hall voting
I don’t know if you are replying to me. Only hall of fame that matters to me is my own. My baseball knowledge is far superior than the writers. I think it’s highly unlikely he gets into Cooperstown though.
The head questions the signing, the heart loves it.
My head loves it. 700 ops hopefully closer to 800 for 5 million. Take that any day.
I don’t know why this makes me so happy. Im not a pirates fan. It just feels right.
The farewell tour?
He will retire a pirate but looks like he has more than this year left in him.
Just pushed the cardinals to a fourth place divisional finish.
I like signing Cutch and Garcia. I would have passed on Hill and Santana and used that money to extend Reynolds or if that is futile then to extend Bednar.
Hill I can take or leave. Santana was great signing. Neither are keeping the pirates from extending Reynolds. They have plenty of financial flexibility to extend him and Bednar.
@Dream haha financial flexibility. those are swear words in pittsburgh 🙂
but yeah with the money ‘saved’ the past few years i’m sure Ben has more to work with now than when NH was still here.
I think Hill is going to end up being the best signing in terms of on field results this year. Hill doesn’t walk a whole lot of batters and Ke’Bryan and O’Neil should be able to gobble up any grounders from RH batters that roll over top of Hill’s curveball. Not expecting Cy Young votes or anything but basically slightly better than what Quintana and Anderson provided the last two seasons. Throw 5-6 innings or roughly 85 pitches every fifth day and give your team a decent chance of winning the game when you hand it over to the bullpen. I’ll take that.
I have doubts Cruz will be at short much longer. He just isn’t very good at it and the pirates have much better defensive short stops. The only other place for him is in the OF. after the deadline I can see him getting much more time in the OF and DH. If he can get his release time faster and be accurate with his rocket of an arm, maybe he’ll have a shot.
Problem is, they’ve painted themselves into a corner, at least for now. They’ve made a few guys here the poster boys for the future: Bednar, Hayes, and Cruz. He’s balked at taking reps in the OF and previously at 1B, and with all of the hoopla he’s smart enough to know that the Pirates can’t afford having him as a malcontent
Hope there are some fielding gurus who can refine his style. I know he’s a big guy but he’s extremely athletic.
@tired putting him at first robs him of his greatest defensive weapon in his arm. His speed and arm could make him a gold glove corner OF. I’d still like to see him get a few reps at first though.
Hes going to have to realize that if he doesn’t get better then he’s going to have to move. If he should have any malcontent, it should be directed inward.
So this means they got Bryan Reynolds’s replacement? It is interesting that McCutchen got them Reynolds in the first place.
If McCutchen is Reynolds replacement, the pirates are in serious tank mode cancel degrom to Texas.
“cancel degrom to Texas” ???
He should have gone to Philly!
Question for Sorry: is it your goal to produce stupid comments 100% of the time, or just shooting for 90%?
Cutch signing has absolutely zero relevance to Reynolds. They sign him whether they plan to trade him or not.
Awesome for Pittsburgh.
Pirates spending some money for a bit of competitiveness and maybe a couple of trade chips? Not the worst idea.
Great story! If I recall he wanted out of Pittsburgh. But reunions are nice. Loved him on the Yankees so I really wish him luck.
I don’t recall that.
No Cutch didn’t want out, not publicly anyway. at least nothing i can remember.
He is/was a stand up guy when here. Loves Pittsburgh and Pittsburgh loves him.
Love this move for baseball fans and for the Pirates!
When McCutch decides to retire, then the Pirates should hire him as a Front Office
guy or a big league coach.
Dude struggled to hit the ball last year, but he can certainly still play ball. He hasn’t really lost any sprint speed and is in great shape. It wouldn’t be a shocker if he turns in a quality season for the Buccos. Hell, maybe they’ll move him at the trade deadline. 😉
He struggled as a dh. As a outfielder he was well above average.
Good to see him back but do we now have too many at DH and or OF?
Does this mean Reynolds is gone?
When the fans get upset the Pirates can say but we brought Cutch back for you.
I genuinely don’t think that signing Cutch has anything at all to do with the Reynolds situation.
Can never have too many of anything. If you can hit they will find a spot for you. Cutch has no relevance to Reynolds future.
Another cheap PR move that won’t move the needle.
The Pirates’ way.
It was touching that you took a few moments out from telling children that there’s no Santa Claus to make this post
High quality rip to a well below average comment. Nice work. People should throw you some extra upvotes.
Pirates are terrible at pr.
[Everybody liked that]
Best story this year!
My McCutchen Pirates jersey—back in style!
The Mets sure could have improved themselves here. Missed opportunity as it appears that they still can’t multitask. They need a RH DH 4th OF with speed who can mash LHP. LOL Mets losing out to the Twinkies over $ 40 MM over 6 years on Correa and now Cutch to the bottom feeder Pirates. Oh my Lord.
I have nothing but respect for Cutch. Glad he can return “home” to hopefully finish out his amazing career.
in his case his home is home. Last i knew he still lives in pittsburgh.
His son’s name is Steel for crying out loud
This is great for the Pirates and their fans , I am disappointed the Mets didn’t get him but I am glad to see him go home.
Now they need to resign his brother Daniel McCutchen.
Well this is my favorite move of the off-season!
He will be DFA’d within 3 months
Even if he hits under 200 he will be there until August. Nutting just doesn’t bail on 5 million.
It seems like it is getting harder and harder to find a place for Miguel Andujar on this team, yet he looked really good once the Bucs got him.
I think the jury is still out on that one. Cutch is 36. The guy likely can’t trot out there every day. And the truth is, no one other than Reynolds showed himself as an everyday outfielder last year
I’m under no illusions that this team is going to contend for anything this year or maybe even next year. But unlike the last two seasons, it looks like they are at least trying to compete this coming season and offer a competent team that allows the kids already here to mature and those in the next wave to gain some experience
They already paid him so he has that going for him.
A+ signing. Worth 5 million in ticket sales and pr alone. Should have cost 8 million at least. Other teams mistake and his love for Pittsburgh made this signing possible. Can still hit and even run the bases. Should always play vs lhp and he matches up with many righties as well. Just don’t use him at dh.
@YourDreamGM Not bad. Philly and Milwaukee couldn’t get him going at DH I think being back in the burgh and having that amazing Andy Haines as hitting coach will get production from him at dh.
The words amazing and Andy Haines somehow do not go together.
It’s good having you active Mendoza. Hopefully Pirates reward you with some activity themselves.
Thank you young man.I appreciate your insights,many of which I do not have.
I do not think that the activity that they will have will be that that Pirate fans want.
We will have to wait at least another year for possible meaningful improvement.
From one high school shortstop to another.
I expect more Anderson Quintana Velasquez deals. Santana or another 700 ops 1b. Hopefully they keep hitting on them and don’t wiff like they did in 2016. Giants pitchers and Mets pitcher in Walker trade. Don’t remember there names but will think of them of I tried but not going to nor look them up. Please don’t tell me. I need the storage space and glad they are out of my head.
You said it right earlier- Hill,Velasquez,and Lorenzon.
That is why the Pirates are waiting- so these three will lower their salary demands.
All the other teams will have the mediocre pitchers and the Pirates will get-
the bottom of the barrel.
This signing fills this 61 year long Bucco fan with gladness.
I have wanted this to happen since last season for many reasons.
Like Dorothy,you can go home again.
And thank you to all of the numerous non Pirate fans in this thread for being happy for us.
We all love the same game.
Pirates pulling out all the stops to spur fan interest for this season.
The most overrated player the past decade.
I’d say most of the pitchers are overrated since they imposed that ban on sticky stuff. Guy’s aren’t pitchers nowadays. They’re just chuckers.
I still don’t know how he won that 2013 MVP over Paul Goldschmidt.
Pirates: We really need pitching. We should bring back Mccutchen too.
Fans: Sounds great!
Also Pirates: 43 year old Rich Hill: $8 mil. Pirates Legend and former MVP: $5 mil.
Fans: What
An actual fan of the Bucs knows who is almost ready to hit the rotation. Oviedo, Ortiz, Priester, and Burrows all could be in the mix especially after the All Star break. The Bucs needed a vet who could still pitch for a 1 year deal. Hill fits that description. McCutchen and Hill are vets to give leadership to the young guys already on the 26 man like Keller and Brubaker in the rotation and Cruz, Hayes, Castro, Bae, Suwinski, etc in the field. Santana and Choi are good adds for the short term too. Much better adds than the ones being brought in to fill spots til the youngsters started making it to the show.
That Kool aid must be strong. Rich Hill is not a major league starter anymore. He’s going to put up Mitch Helen Keller numbers.
If he puts up the the numbers from the last 2/3 of the season that Keller did, any team will take that.
Actually Keller was outstanding last year. Before you post garbage..do some research
Yeah, Keller did very well last season and hopefully will keep it going this year. A guy like Hill can give him some wisdom into how to keep it going over a year and over a career. That is the value to Hill right now for the Bucs. Will help Keller, Brubaker, Roansy, and the younger guys ready to hit the show.
He’s going to put up Mitch Helen Keller numbers.
================================
You think Hill will have a 3.91 ERA? That’s a tad optimistic imo.
The Helen Keller reference is offensive to blind people. Helen Keller was a great person. AND no I’m not woke. Just no excuse to make a joke about ones disability and sometimes it takes pitchers a couple of years to hit it. I got a feeling Keller is going to be very good this year
Actually Keller was outstanding last year. Before you post garbage..do some research
=====================
I was at the Pirates Braves game where Keller got lit up. He might have had decent numbers overall but let’s not get crazy. I would feel optimistic about the pitching prospects you guys have
Isolated-You are correct.The first two months he was mediocre at best.The last four months,however,he was very good,living up to his hype.
To us current Pirate fans he was the equivalent of Sandy Koufax in his prime.
Excellent signings for the Pirates, imo. This is still a rebuilding year. Signing more expensive players, to long-term contracts is a waste of money, and maybe counter-productive. The thing that derails a lot of rebuilds is trying to get to the playoffs before you get to .500. I see the Pirates as a solid .450-.475 team this year.
Joe- You were a seer 11 months ago regarding the Pirates.
Who gets DFA’d as a result?
Andujar has been DFAd
Hopefully he reaches those milestones for Pittsburgh this year. One of their best ever.
So great for the game. Good job Bucs!!
This guy is gonna rake!
I just hope Pirates fans (both of them) realize that he’s getting traded to a contender the second he shows any sign of still being productive.
Stansfield-I think that I can speak for the “other Pirate fan” in saying that,yes,we know that the trade would be quite possible if he has a good year.
It would be nice to get a valuable young player in return.
Then we can sign Cutch for the next year too.
The other Pirate fan and I thank you for your empathetic comment and want you to continue to show your high level of intelligence on such matters.
Other Pirates fan here….I agree with you 100% @ Mendoza Line 215!
The Great One( I prefer your nickname!)
This guy is a gentleman compared to the knuckleheads in the Andujar article.