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 a free agent. He's played for several MLB teams, including the Pittsburgh Pirates, San Francisco Giants, New York Yankees, Philadelphia Phillies, and Milwaukee Brewers. McCutchen has also represented the United States in international competition. A notable achievement includes winning a gold medal with Team USA at the 2017 World Baseball Classic.

Sections (4)

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

1974: First Pirate since 1974 to win the Roberto Clemente Award

In 2015, McCutchen became the first Pirate to win the Roberto Clemente Award since Willie Stargell in 1974.

1988: First Pirate to win Player of the Month twice since 1988

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

1992: First Pirate MVP since 1992

Andrew McCutchen won the National League MVP award in 2013, becoming the first Pirate to win the award since Barry Bonds in 1992. He also won his second Silver Slugger Award and his second NL Most Outstanding Player Award.

2005: Drafted by Pittsburgh Pirates and signed

In 2005, Andrew McCutchen was drafted 11th overall by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the first round of the MLB draft and signed with the team, receiving a $1.9 million signing bonus instead of attending the University of Florida. He then played for the Rookie Gulf Coast League (GCL) Pirates and the Class A Williamsport Crosscutters.

2005: Drafted by the Pirates

In 2005, Andrew McCutchen was selected by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the first round (11th pick overall) of the MLB draft.

2006: Minor League Player of the Year

In 2006, Andrew McCutchen was named the Pittsburgh Pirates' Minor League Player of the Year. He played for the Single-A Hickory Crawdads and the Double-A Altoona Curve.

2006: First Pirate to win Player of the Week consecutively since 2006

In July 2012, Andrew McCutchen won the NL Player of the Week Award twice consecutively, becoming the first Pirate since Jason Bay in 2006 to achieve this.

2007: Played for Altoona and Indianapolis

In 2007, Andrew McCutchen played for the Altoona Curve and the Triple-A Indianapolis Indians, batting a combined .265/.329/.388. He was also named to the Arizona Fall League All-Prospect Team.

2008: International League All-Star

In 2008, Andrew McCutchen was named a mid-season International League (IL) All-Star, an All-Star Futures Game selection, and the Triple-A All-Star Game Top Star while playing for the Indianapolis Indians.

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. He made his debut the next day.

2009: MLB Debut

Andrew McCutchen made his Major League Baseball (MLB) debut in 2009 with the Pittsburgh Pirates.

2009: Played for Indianapolis

In 2009, Andrew McCutchen played 49 games for the Indianapolis Indians, batting .303/.361/.493 with 4 home runs and 17 stolen bases.

2009: Baseball America Rookie of the Year

In 2009, Andrew McCutchen was named the Baseball America Rookie of the Year. He finished fourth in the voting for the National League Rookie of the Year Award.

2010: Everyday center fielder for the Pirates

Andrew McCutchen began the 2010 season as the Pirates' everyday center fielder. Bobby Cox, Atlanta Braves manager, praised his all-around abilities.

2011: All-Star Selection

In 2011, Andrew McCutchen replaced Ryan Braun on the National League All-Star team.

March 5, 2012: Signed Contract Extension with Pirates

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.

2012: Awards and Honors in 2012

In 2012, Andrew McCutchen finished third in the NL MVP voting, won the Player's Choice National League Outstanding Player award, a Silver Slugger Award, a Gold Glove Award, and was named a Wilson Defensive Player of the Year.

2012: Replaced Stanton in Home Run Derby

In 2012, Andrew McCutchen was chosen to replace Giancarlo Stanton in the Home Run Derby due to injury, but failed to reach the second round despite hitting 4 home runs.

2012: Silver Slugger and Gold Glove Awards

In 2012, Andrew McCutchen won both the Silver Slugger Award and the Gold Glove Award, recognizing his offensive and defensive skills.

2013: Successful Season Leading to Postseason Berth

Andrew McCutchen had a successful 2013 regular season, batting .317/.404/.508 with 21 home runs and 27 stolen bases, leading the Pittsburgh Pirates to their first postseason appearance since 1992.

2013: All-Star Selection

Andrew McCutchen was named to the 2013 NL All-Star Team as a reserve, marking his third consecutive All-Star selection.

2013: Featured on MLB 13: The Show Cover

In 2013, Andrew McCutchen was featured on the cover of the baseball video game "MLB 13: The Show" after winning a fan vote.

2013: National League MVP

In 2013, Andrew McCutchen was named the National League (NL) Most Valuable Player while playing for the Pittsburgh Pirates.

June 15, 2014: NL Player of the Week Award

On June 15, 2014, Andrew McCutchen won the NL Player of the Week Award.

June 2014: NL Player of the Month Award

In June 2014, Andrew McCutchen won the NL Player of the Month Award.

2014: MLB 14: The Show Back Cover

Although athletes cannot appear twice on the cover, in 2014 Andrew McCutchen appeared on the back cover of the baseball video game "MLB 14: The Show".

2014: Season Stats

In 2014, Andrew McCutchen batted .314/.410/.542 with a .952 OPS, leading the National League in on-base percentage and OPS.

2014: NL leader in On-Base Percentage

In 2014, Andrew McCutchen led the National League (NL) in on-base percentage (.410), OPS (.952), and extra-base hits (69).

March 25, 2015: McCutchen Cuts Dreadlocks for Charity

On March 25, 2015, Andrew McCutchen cut his signature dreadlocks, which were then sold through an MLB auction to benefit Pirates Charities. He teased the haircut reveal on social media before the change.

2015: Won Silver Slugger and Roberto Clemente Award

After the 2015 season, Andrew McCutchen won his fourth straight Silver Slugger Award and was named the winner of the Roberto Clemente Award. He also came in 5th in the voting for National League MVP.

2015: Overall Stats in 2015

In 2015, Andrew McCutchen batted .292/.401/.488 with 23 home runs, 96 RBIs, and 11 stolen bases, helping the Pirates to a 98-win season and their third consecutive Wild Card berth.

2015: Roberto Clemente Award Winner

In 2015, Andrew McCutchen received the Roberto Clemente Award, recognizing his sportsmanship and community involvement.

2017: Won Gold Medal in World Baseball Classic

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

December 12, 2018: McCutchen Signs with Philadelphia Phillies

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

2018: Club Option Year

Andrew McCutchen's six-year contract extension with the Pirates, 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.

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: McCutchen Receives Ovation at Pirates Home Opener

On April 7, 2023, Andrew McCutchen made his return to PNC Park at the Pirates' home opener and received 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. He expressed his intent to play for at least two more seasons and retire as a Pirate.

April 14, 2024: McCutchen Hits 300th Career Home Run

On April 14, 2024, Andrew McCutchen hit his 300th career home run against the Philadelphia Phillies.

December 23, 2024: McCutchen Re-Signs with Pirates for 2025

On December 23, 2024, Andrew McCutchen signed a one-year, $5 million contract to return with the Pittsburgh Pirates for the 2025 season.

June 1, 2025: McCutchen Ties Clemente on Pirates HR List

On June 1, 2025, Andrew McCutchen hit his fourth home run of the season, tying Roberto Clemente for third place on the Pirates' franchise home run list with 240 home runs.

June 8, 2025: McCutchen Reaches 2,200 Career Hits

On June 8, 2025, Andrew McCutchen recorded his 2,200th career hit against the Philadelphia Phillies, becoming the 190th player in MLB history to reach this milestone.