"Trying to play longer than LeBron James"; "Building around Paul Skenes" - MLB Fans react to Pirates re-signing former MVP Andrew McCutchen
Andrew McCutchen is one of the most beloved players in the history of the Pittsburgh Pirates. After a few years away, the superstar made his way back to the city and has been a key part of the rebuilding franchise taking a step forward. The veteran slugger has proven to be an invaluable addition to the team's growing young core — and it's not over yet.
The veteran outfielder will have the opportunity to continue to climb up the club's all-time leaderboards after agreeing to a one-year $5 million deal. McCutchen will return for his 12th season with the Pirates and will aim to help the team build on a solid 2024 campaign where it posted a 76-86 record.
Although it is unsurprising to see the Pittsburgh Pirates re-sign the potential Hall of Famer, after the news was made official, fans turned to social media to share their thoughts about it. Several fans were quick to call out McCutchen's age, comparing him to other aging superstar athletes such as NBA all-time great LeBron James, who is in his 22nd year in the league.
"Trying to play longer than Lebron," one fan shared tweeted.
"He's been in the league forever now," another fan wrote.
"Andrew McCutchen continues to be a key figure where he belongs, staying true to his legacy and contribution to the game," one fan said.
Although he may be near the end of his MLB career, McCutchen has remained a productive player and his experience with the upstart Pirates cannot be overstated. Over 120 games in 2024, McCutchen posted a .232 batting average with 20 home runs and 50 RBIs. If he can continue to rack up the power stats, it would help the Pirates and their young star Paul Skenes get close to the playoffs.
"Omg building around Skenes," a fan tweeted.
"Can't picture this guy playing anywhere else. And good for Pittsburgh bringing him back," a fan said.
"Just give them the world series already," another fan wrote.
Andrew McCutchen has cemented himself as an all-time great for the Pirates
Andrew McCutchen is a certified club legend for the Pittsburgh Pirates. The former National League MVP has been one of the top performers in team history and sits fourth all-time in home runs (235), seventh in RBIs (818) and 10th in hits (1667).
Even though the five-time All-Star has been unable to win a World Series title with the team, McCutchen has been a true superstar talent and is a fan favorite. After brief stints with the Philadelphia Phillies, Milwaukee Brewers, New York Yankees and San Francisco Giants, McCutchen returned to the Pirates in 2023, completing a full circle of sorts.