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 in MLB. Throughout his MLB career, McCutchen has also played for other notable teams, including the San Francisco Giants, New York Yankees, Philadelphia Phillies, and Milwaukee Brewers. Known for his skills and achievements in baseball, McCutchen continues to contribute to the sport.

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

2005: Signing with the Pirates

In 2005, Andrew McCutchen signed with the Pittsburgh Pirates after being drafted, receiving a $1.9 million signing bonus instead of attending the University of Florida.

2006: Minor League Prospect and All-Star

Before the 2006 season, Baseball America ranked McCutchen as the #50 prospect in the minor leagues. In 2006, he was named a South Atlantic League (SAL) All-Star and the Pirates' Minor League Player of the Year.

June 3, 2009: MLB Call-Up

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

2009: MLB Debut

In 2009, Andrew McCutchen made his Major League Baseball (MLB) debut.

2010: Everyday Center Fielder

Andrew McCutchen started the 2010 season as the Pirates' everyday center fielder, receiving high praise from Atlanta Braves manager Bobby Cox.

March 5, 2012: Contract Extension

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

2013: Postseason Appearance

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

March 25, 2015: Cut dreadlocks and auctioned them for charity

On March 25, 2015, McCutchen cut his dreadlocks, which were sold through MLB's website via auction, with all proceeds benefiting Pirates Charities. McCutchen teased his fans on social media for a big "secret" before unveiling his new haircut.

2015: Post Season Berth

Andrew McCutchen helped lead the Pirates to a 98-win season, the second best in MLB, and their third consecutive Wild Card berth in 2015.

2016: Trade Rumors

During the 2016 Winter Meetings, there were reports that the Pirates' general manager, Neal Huntington, nearly traded Andrew McCutchen to the Washington Nationals.

2017: Batted .279 with 28 home runs

In 2017 with the Pirates, McCutchen batted .279/.363/.486, with 28 home runs, 11 stolen bases, and 88 RBIs. He batted .336 against left-handers. Defensively, he made 139 appearances in center field and 13 appearances in right field, and his 9 outfield assists were 4th in the National League.

2017: Participated in the World Baseball Classic and won gold medal

In 2017, McCutchen participated in the World Baseball Classic with the United States national baseball team. In the semi-final game against Team Japan, McCutchen hit a RBI-single in a 2–1 victory for Team USA. On March 22, Team USA defeated Team Puerto Rico 8–0, to win the first World Baseball Classic gold medal for the United States.

January 15, 2018: Traded to the San Francisco Giants

On January 15, 2018, the Pirates traded McCutchen to the San Francisco Giants, along with cash considerations, in exchange for Kyle Crick, Bryan Reynolds, and $500,000 of international bonus slot money.

July 2018: Held Numerous PNC Park Records

As of July 2018, McCutchen held numerous PNC Park records, including most games played (676), plate appearances (2,873), at bats (2,468), hits (751), multi-hit games (208), singles (478), doubles (161), triples (20), home runs (92), walk-off home runs (6), multi-homer games (7), RBIs (357), runs scored (415), sacrifice flies (22), walks (345), intentional walks (41), and strikeouts (471). He also shared the park record of eight walk-off hits with Josh Harrison.

August 31, 2018: Traded to the New York Yankees

On August 31, 2018, the Giants traded McCutchen to the New York Yankees in exchange for infielder Abiatal Avelino and pitcher Juan De Paula. McCutchen shaved his beard in light of the Yankees personal appearance policy and also changed his jersey number from 22 to 26.

December 12, 2018: Signed with the Philadelphia Phillies

On December 12, 2018, McCutchen signed a three-year contract with the Philadelphia Phillies worth $50 million, with a $15 million club option and a $3 million buyout for 2022.

2018: Contract Option Year

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

2018: Ranked among all Pirates players in career stats

As of 2018, McCutchen was 2nd of all Pirates players in career power-speed number (185.6; behind Barry Bonds), 4th in home runs (203; behind Hall of Famers Willie Stargell, Ralph Kiner, and Roberto Clemente), 7th in walks (685), extra base hits (539), and sacrifice flies (47), 9th in doubles (292) and intentional walks (63), and 10th in total bases (2,452) and hit by pitch (61).

2018: Batted .255 with 20 home runs across two teams

For the 2018 season, between the Giants and the Yankees, McCutchen batted .255/.368/.424 with 20 home runs, 95 walks, 14 stolen bases, and 65 RBIs.

2020: Stats in the pandemic-shortened season

During the pandemic-shortened 2020 season, McCutchen hit .253/.324/.433 with 10 home runs and 34 RBIs in 57 games. Through 2020, he was 5th among active major leaguers in career triples (48), 8th in career walks (845), and 9th in career runs scored (974).

May 2021: Voice Acting Role on Puppy Dog Pals

In May 2021, McCutchen provided voice acting for an episode of the Disney Junior television show Puppy Dog Pals. He voiced a cool, card-playing dog who helps the main characters find an autographed baseball card of their favorite player, voiced by Mookie Betts.

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2021: Batted .222 with 27 home runs

In 2021, McCutchen batted .222/.334/.444 with 27 home runs and 80 RBIs in 144 games.

March 16, 2022: Signed with the Milwaukee Brewers

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

2022: Stats with the Milwaukee Brewers

In 2022, McCutchen batted .237/.316/.384 with 17 home runs in 515 at bats. McCutchen logged 82 DH starts compared to 49 outfield starts. He had the fastest sprint speed of all major league designated hitters, at 28.9 feet/second.

2022: Phillies Declined Club Option

In 2022, the Phillies declined the $15 million club option on McCutchen's contract, with a $3 million buyout.

January 20, 2023: Signed with the Pittsburgh Pirates

On January 20, 2023, 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, McCutchen made his return to PNC Park at the Pirates' home opener, where he received a standing ovation that lasted over a minute prior to his first at bat.

December 20, 2023: Signed a one-year contract with the Pittsburgh Pirates to stay with the team

On December 20, 2023, McCutchen signed a one-year, $5 million contract to stay with Pittsburgh. He stated that he plans to play at least two more seasons and hopes to retire as a Pirate.