Andrew McCutchen returning to Pirates in 2024

Field Level Media|published: Tue 19th December, 18:44 2023

Aug 22, 2023; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates designated hitter Andrew McCutchen (22) circles the bases on a two run home run against the St. Louis Cardinals during the fifth inning at PNC Park. credits: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Veteran Andrew McCutchen is returning to the Pittsburgh Pirates for the 2024 season.

McCutchen and the Pirates agreed to a one-year, $5 million deal, according to multiple reports Tuesday. The deal is expected to be announced Wednesday, and is contingent on McCutchen passing a physical.

A fan favorite in Pittsburgh, McCutchen confirmed his return on social media by posting the scene from the film "The Wolf of Wall Street" in which Leonardo DiCaprio's character declares, "I'm not leaving."

McCutchen, the 2013 National League MVP during his first tour of duty with the Pirates, batted .256 with 12 homers, 43 RBIs and 11 steals in 112 games in his return to the franchise last season.

His season ended when he sustained a partially torn left Achilles tendon on Sept. 4.

The 37-year-old McCutchen might exclusively be a designated hitter this season due to the injury. He only played eight games (seven starts) in the outfield last season.

McCutchen starred for Pittsburgh from 2009-17. He made five consecutive All-Star appearances (2011-15) during that stretch.

McCutchen is one homer away from 300 for his career and has 2,048 hits. He has a .276 career average with 1,045 RBIs and 216 stolen bases.

McCutchen has also played for the San Francisco Giants (2018), New York Yankees (2018), Philadelphia Phillies (2019-21) and Milwaukee Brewers (2022).

—Field Level Media