As he approaches his 40th birthday, Andrew McCutchen is making a clear and determined push to continue his Major League Baseball career. The veteran outfielder posted a hype video on social media, signaling his intent to prove he remains a capable player despite entering his age-39 season. While the video itself isn’t publicly available, the gesture speaks volumes about McCutchen’s mindset and frustration with his current free-agent status.
McCutchen’s situation is particularly noteworthy given his long and decorated career, including a significant tenure with the Pittsburgh Pirates. He spent 12 of his 18 Major League seasons in Pittsburgh, becoming a beloved figure in the city. He publicly expressed his desire to return to the Pirates for a final season, acknowledging that he needed to demonstrate he could still contribute at a high level. “I have to do what I need to do to…show that I was able to have a good year and still can play the following year,” McCutchen said in August, adding he didn’t want to simply “fill in a spot.”
However, his free agency has been marked by a lack of significant interest, with the prevailing assumption being that the Pirates represent his only potential landing spot. This perceived lack of opportunity clearly prompted his recent social media activity. On , McCutchen voiced his frustration, questioning why veteran players aren’t afforded the same opportunities to finish their careers with their original teams as players like Albert Pujols, Yadier Molina, and Max Scherzer were. “I wonder, did the Cards do this [to] Wainwright/Pujols/Yadi? Dodgers to Kershaw? Tigers to Miggy? The list goes on and on,” he wrote. “If this is my last year, it would have been nice to meet the fans one last time as a player.”
The situation is further complicated by comments from Pittsburgh Pirates General Manager Ben Cherington regarding McCutchen’s free-agent status, which McCutchen addressed indirectly in his posts. The veteran has also defended his defensive capabilities, arguing that he hasn’t been given the opportunity to play the outfield and that his limited appearances there last year were at his own request. While defensive metrics can be unreliable with small sample sizes, he did receive positive ratings in Outs Above Average during his seven games in the outfield in , and has been a positive contributor defensively since transitioning to a primary designated hitter role with Milwaukee in .
Despite entering his age-39 season, projections still indicate McCutchen possesses valuable offensive skills. Analysts project a 12% walk rate and an on-base average around .330 for the upcoming season, demonstrating his continued ability to get on base and control the strike zone. This suggests he isn’t simply relying on nostalgia, but still offers a tangible contribution to a major league lineup.
The Pirates have publicly indicated they are open to re-signing McCutchen, but the lack of significant buzz surrounding his market suggests they may be his only option. This dynamic raises questions about the value placed on veteran leadership and the opportunities afforded to players nearing the end of their careers. McCutchen’s case highlights a broader trend in baseball, where the emphasis on youth and athleticism can sometimes overshadow the contributions of experienced players.
The Minnesota Twins have also emerged as a potential suitor, with some analysts suggesting McCutchen could be a perfect veteran leader for the team. His 18 years of experience and track record of getting on base would be valuable assets to a young and developing roster. However, the Twins’ interest hasn’t been publicly confirmed, and the Pirates remain the most likely destination.
McCutchen’s frustration is understandable. He’s a player who has consistently demonstrated a willingness to adapt and contribute, even as his role has evolved over the years. His desire to finish his career in Pittsburgh, where he established himself as a star, is a compelling narrative. The question now is whether the Pirates, or another team, will recognize his value and provide him with the opportunity to do so.
The situation is particularly poignant given the recent trend of teams honoring long-tenured veterans with opportunities to finish their careers with the organizations where they made their names. McCutchen’s pointed references to players like Wainwright, Pujols, Molina, Kershaw, and Miguel Cabrera underscore his belief that he deserves the same consideration. His social media posts aren’t simply a plea for a job; they’re a challenge to the prevailing norms of a sport that often prioritizes youth over experience.
As McCutchen continues to train and prepare for the upcoming season, his future remains uncertain. However, his recent actions demonstrate a clear determination to prove he can still play and a desire to finish his career on his own terms. Whether that will be in Pittsburgh, Minnesota, or elsewhere remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Andrew McCutchen isn’t ready to retire just yet.
According to a Facebook post from , some fans believe McCutchen’s legacy is secure, arguing that the history of baseball cannot be told without acknowledging his contributions. At 39 years old, he continues to be a relevant figure in the baseball conversation, and his pursuit of a final season is a story worth following.
