Career Timeline of Andrew McCutchen: Major Achievements and Milestones

How Andrew McCutchen built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Andrew McCutchen is a professional baseball outfielder and designated hitter currently playing for the Pittsburgh Pirates. He has also played for the Giants, Yankees, Phillies, and Brewers. Known for his athletic abilities and offensive contributions, McCutchen has represented the United States internationally, notably contributing to Team USA's gold medal win in the 2017 World Baseball Classic.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1988: First Pirate since Bobby Bonilla to earn the Player of the Month Award twice in the same season.

In July 2012, Andrew McCutchen became the first Pirate since Bobby Bonilla during the 1988 season to earn the NL Player of the Month Award twice in the same season.

1992: Last Postseason Appearance

In 2013, Andrew McCutchen helped lead Pittsburgh to a winning record and the postseason for the first time since the 1992 Pirates team, led by Barry Bonds.

2005: Signed with the Pirates

In 2005, Andrew McCutchen signed with the Pittsburgh Pirates, receiving a $1.9 million signing bonus, instead of attending the University of Florida. He subsequently played for the Rookie Gulf Coast League (GCL) Pirates and the Class A Williamsport Crosscutters.

2006: Minor League Prospect

Before the 2006 season, Baseball America named Andrew McCutchen the #50 prospect in the minor leagues. He played for the Single-A Hickory Crawdads and the Double-A Altoona Curve and was named the Pirates' Minor League Player of the Year.

2006: First Pirate since Jason Bay to win Player of the Week Award in consecutive weeks

In July 2012, Andrew McCutchen became the first Pirate since Jason Bay in 2006 to win the NL Player of the Week Award in consecutive weeks.

2007: Ranked Top Prospect

Before the 2007 season, Baseball America named Andrew McCutchen the #13 prospect in the minor leagues, and Baseball Prospectus named him the #15 prospect. He played for Altoona, Indianapolis Indians and for the Phoenix Desert Dogs, he was on the Arizona Fall League All-Prospect Team and named a Rising Star.

2008: Ranked Top Prospect

Before the 2008 season, Baseball America named Andrew McCutchen the #14 prospect in the minor leagues, and Baseball Prospectus named him the #24 prospect. In 2008, McCutchen was a mid-season International League (IL) All-Star, an All-Star Futures Game selection, and the Triple-A All-Star Game Top Star. He played the entire season with Indianapolis

June 3, 2009: Called Up to MLB

On June 3, 2009, Andrew McCutchen was called up to MLB by the Pittsburgh Pirates after they traded Nate McLouth.

2009: Ranked Top Prospect

Before the 2009 season Baseball America named Andrew McCutchen the #33 prospect in the minor leagues, and Baseball Prospectus named him the #25 prospect. He again played for Indianapolis, but played only 49 games.

2009: MLB Debut

In 2009, Andrew McCutchen made his Major League Baseball (MLB) debut for the Pittsburgh Pirates.

2010: Pirates' Everyday Center Fielder

Andrew McCutchen began the 2010 season as the Pirates' everyday center fielder.

March 5, 2012: Contract Extension

On March 5, 2012, Andrew McCutchen signed a six-year, $51.5 million contract extension with the Pittsburgh Pirates, including a club option for 2018.

2013: Postseason Appearance

Andrew McCutchen's efforts in 2013 helped lead the Pittsburgh Pirates to a winning record and the postseason for the first time since 1992.

March 25, 2015: McCutchen cuts dreadlocks

On March 25, 2015, Andrew McCutchen cut his signature dreadlocks. The hair was then sold through an auction on MLB's website, with all proceeds donated to Pirates Charities. McCutchen had teased his fans on social media with a big "secret" before revealing his new haircut.

2015: MLB season

In 2015, Andrew McCutchen batted .292/.401/.488 with 23 home runs, 98 walks and 96 RBIs, helping the Pirates to a 98-win season and their third consecutive Wild Card berth.

2015: Roberto Clemente Award

In 2015, Andrew McCutchen won the Roberto Clemente Award.

2017: McCutchen Wins Gold Medal at World Baseball Classic

In 2017, Andrew McCutchen helped Team USA win their first gold medal in the World Baseball Classic (WBC) tournament.

January 15, 2018: Traded to Giants

On January 15, 2018, Andrew McCutchen was traded from the Pittsburgh Pirates to the San Francisco Giants in exchange for Kyle Crick, Bryan Reynolds, and cash considerations.

August 31, 2018: Traded to Yankees

On August 31, 2018, Andrew McCutchen was traded from the San Francisco Giants to the New York Yankees in exchange for Abiatal Avelino and Juan De Paula. Due to the Yankees' appearance policy, McCutchen shaved his beard and changed his jersey number to 26.

December 12, 2018: McCutchen Signs with Phillies

On December 12, 2018, Andrew McCutchen signed a three-year contract with the Philadelphia Phillies worth $50 million, including a club option for 2022.

2018: Contract option year

Andrew McCutchen's contract extension signed on March 5, 2012 included a $14.75 million club option for 2018.

March 16, 2022: McCutchen signs with Milwaukee Brewers

On March 16, 2022, Andrew McCutchen signed a one-year contract with the Milwaukee Brewers worth $8.5 million.

2022: $3 Million Buyout

In 2022, Andrew McCutchen received a $3 million buyout when the Philadelphia Phillies declined his club option.

January 20, 2023: McCutchen Returns to Pittsburgh Pirates

On January 20, 2023, Andrew McCutchen signed a one-year, $5 million contract to return to the Pittsburgh Pirates.

April 7, 2023: Return to PNC Park

On April 7, 2023, Andrew McCutchen made his return to PNC Park at the Pirates' home opener, receiving a standing ovation before his first at bat.

December 20, 2023: McCutchen Re-Signs with Pirates

On December 20, 2023, Andrew McCutchen signed a one-year, $5 million contract to remain with the Pittsburgh Pirates, with plans to play at least two more seasons and retire as a Pirate.