Former Pirates star Andrew McCutchen has had an underrated career

Pittsburgh Pirates designated hitter Andrew McCutchen has quietly put together an impressive career, even if he is unable to find another major league opportunity.

McCutchen is one of only 10 players in MLB history with 300+ home runs, 450+ doubles, 50+ triples and 200+ stolen bases. Eight of the other players are in the Hall of Fame: Hank Aaron, Willie Mays, Frank Robinson, Dave Winfield, Andre Dawson, Carlos Beltran, Larry Walker and George Brett. The only player in that group who has not been enshrined is Barry Bonds.

While McCutchen had moments of greatness throughout his career, he is not as highly regarded as the other nonet. He has produced a solid .271/.365/.457 batting line over 9707 career plate appearances, hitting 332 homers and 451 doubles while stealing 220 bases. McCutchen was a five-time All-Star and won the 2013 NL MVP Award.

Andrew McCutchen, Pittsburgh Pirates reunion may not be in the cards

If McCutchen has his way, he will add to those numbers in 2026. He told Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette in August that he would like to return to the Pirates for the upcoming season. The Pirates, meanwhile, were seemingly holding the door open for a reunion.

Those plans may have changed. The Pirates signed outfielder Marcell Ozuna on Feb. 10, who will likely see significant time in the designated hitter role. First baseman/outfielder Ryan O'Hearn and infielder Spencer Horwitz are also likely to get time as the Pirates' DH, seemingly closing the door on a reunion.

If McCutchen has taken his last turn at the plate, he can say that his career places him among some of the greatest players in MLB history.