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Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Andrew McCutchen. Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Pirates star Andrew McCutchen falls shy in Hall of Fame debate

By Mike J. Asti | Last updated Jun 3, 2025 11:33 AM ET

As Pirates fans continue to grow frustrated with their team's play this season, many are turning their attention to a more pleasant topic. And as long as Andrew McCutchen is in a Pirates uniform, he serves as a reminder of Pittsburgh's best seasons of the century.

McCutchen's strong recent play — he's homered in each of his last two games — has also triggered a debate about his legacy, both in Pittsburgh and in baseball in general.

Something no one denies is McCutchen was the best player on Pirates teams that snapped a run of futility for the franchise and reached the postseason in three consecutive seasons from 2013-15.

Beyond his production and being the face of the franchise during those cherished years, McCutchen was recognized as one of the top players in the game. From 2011-15, McCutchen was named an All-Star five times, won four Silver Slugger Awards and a Gold Glove Award and was even the 2013 National League MVP.

Factoring in his peak years with some career benchmarks — he tied Roberto Clemente for third on the Pirates' all-time home run list on Sunday — some are now trying to make a case that McCutchen belongs in the Baseball Hall of Fame.

But no matter how much Pittsburgh fans may love McCutchen, his overall career just falls shy of the usual Hall of Fame standard.

Will mentioned Cutch building a HOFer resume on my show recently. I just don’t see it. He’s just quintessential Hall of Very Good for me. I get why it’s a debate, but Andruw Jones isn’t in, Torii Hunter can argue as having a better resume and Jim Edmonds barely got any votes. https://t.co/2JNLgzI45j
— Mike J. Asti (@MikeAsti11) June 2, 2025

Baseball, more so than any other sports, obsesses over statistics when it comes to evaluating a player's career and legacy. Through 52 games in his 17th season, McCutchen has a career .273 average with 2,198 hits, 324 home runs and 1,113 RBI.

Going beyond those base-level numbers, McCutchen holds a .367 on-base percentage, a .461 slugging mark and a WAR (wins above replacement) of 49.7. Showing his true versatility, McCutchen also has 438 doubles and 220 stolen bases.

McCutchen has had a solid career, but it's going to forever be placed in the "Hall of Very Good" category, not the Hall of Fame. His career doesn't stack up when compared to other primary center fielders.

For one, Andruw Jones still isn't in. While Jones has a lower average and fewer hits, his power numbers and defensive prowess elevate his career to being greater than McCutchen's.

Jones hit 434 home runs, drove in 1,289 runs, won 10 Gold Gloves and has a WAR of 62.7. With two more years left on the ballot, Jones' highest tally is 66.2% of the vote. He may get in, but he's had to wait.

Drop whatever you're doing, folks

Jones from age 19-30 vs. Trout from age 19-30 pic.twitter.com/uG67tUnsOW
— Not Gaetti (@notgaetti) March 9, 2025

Torii Hunter has nine Gold Gloves and, like Jones, has a better case across the board with a .277 average, 2,452 hits, 353 homers, 1,391 RBI and a 50.6 WAR. Hunter only received 20 votes, translating to 5.1%, in 2025.

Jim Edmonds dropped off the ballot after only one year with only 2.5% of the vote despite having a .284 average, 393 homers, 1,199 RBI and eight Gold Gloves.

Statistically, McCutchen compares closely to Yankees legend Bernie Williams. But Williams, regarded as one of the best playoff hitters ever, fell off the ballot after two years. Williams has a .297 average and 1,257 RBI; granted, he boasts just 287 home runs and owns a 49.6 WAR.

Jones, Edmonds and Williams were all big-time playoff performers, a trait that often pushes a player over the line. In contrast, McCutchen has struggled in the postseason with a .239 average and only one single RBI in 13 games.

All in all, McCutchen deserves respect and admiration from Pirates fans. But unfortunately, that's not going to translate to a place in Cooperstown.

Mike J. Asti

Mike Asti is an experienced media personality and journalist with a vast resume and skillset, most notably from time with TribLIVE Radio and WPXI-TV. Asti now serves as the Managing Editor of WV Sports Now, where he leads the coverage of WVU sports. He has also covered the Steelers, Penguins, Pirates and other teams within the Pittsburgh market

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