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 Texas Rangers in MLB. He has previously played for several other MLB teams, including the Pittsburgh Pirates, San Francisco Giants, New York Yankees, Philadelphia Phillies, and Milwaukee Brewers. McCutchen also represented the United States in the 2017 World Baseball Classic, contributing to Team USA's gold medal victory.

Sections (4)

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

2005: Signing with the Pirates and Rookie Season

In 2005, Andrew McCutchen was drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates, foregoing his commitment to the University of Florida. He received a $1.9 million signing bonus. He played for the Rookie Gulf Coast League (GCL) Pirates and the Class A Williamsport Crosscutters, achieving notable stats.

2005: Drafted by the Pirates

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

2006: Minor League Prospect and Player of the Year

In 2006, Andrew McCutchen was ranked as a top minor league prospect. He played for the Single-A Hickory Crawdads and Double-A Altoona Curve, earning recognition as a South Atlantic League All-Star. At the end of the year, he was named the Pirates' Minor League Player of the Year.

2007: Continued Minor League Success

In 2007, Andrew McCutchen continued his minor league career, playing for Altoona and the Triple-A Indianapolis Indians. He was named to the Arizona Fall League All-Prospect Team and a Rising Star.

2008: International League All-Star

In 2008, Andrew 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.

June 3, 2009: Call-Up to MLB

On June 3, 2009, Andrew 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.

2009: Continued Minor League Performance

In 2009, Andrew McCutchen played for Indianapolis, appearing in 49 games and achieving a batting average of .303.

2010: Everyday Center Fielder

In 2010, Andrew McCutchen became the Pirates' everyday center fielder.

March 5, 2012: Contract Extension with Pirates

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

2013: 2013 Regular Season Performance

Andrew McCutchen had a strong 2013 regular season, batting .317 with 21 home runs, 84 RBIs, and 27 stolen bases. He led the NL center fielders with three double plays on defense. The Pirates made the postseason for the first time since 1992.

2014: Outstanding Season Statistics

In 2014, McCutchen showcased his batting skills by achieving .314 (3rd in the National League)/.410 (leading the league)/.542 (2nd in the league) with a .952 OPS (leading the league), alongside 69 extra base hits (leading the league), marking an exceptional season.

March 25, 2015: Cut Dreadlocks

On March 25, 2015, Andrew McCutchen cut his dreadlocks, which were then auctioned off through MLB's website to benefit Pirates Charities. He teased the event beforehand on social media.

2015: Fourth Silver Slugger and Clemente Award

After the 2015 season, McCutchen won his fourth straight Silver Slugger Award and was named the winner of the 2015 Roberto Clemente Award.

2015: Roberto Clemente Award

In 2015, Andrew McCutchen won the Roberto Clemente Award.

2015: Strong Performance and Team Success

In 2015, McCutchen batted .292/.401/.488 with 23 home runs and 96 RBIs. He helped lead the Pirates to a 98-win season, the second best in MLB, and their third consecutive Wild Card berth.

April 26, 2016: Second Three-Homer Game

On April 26, 2016, McCutchen hit three home runs in a single game against the Colorado Rockies for the second time in his career.

2016: Near Trade to Washington Nationals

In 2016, Pirates' general manager Neal Huntington considered trading Andrew McCutchen to the Washington Nationals. McCutchen expressed his strong desire to remain with the Pirates, even admitting to searching his name online in anticipation of the potential trade.

2017: 2017 Season Performance with Pirates

During the 2017 season with the Pirates, Andrew McCutchen achieved a batting average of .279, an on-base percentage of .363, and a slugging percentage of .486, along with 28 home runs, 11 stolen bases, and 88 RBIs. He also performed well against left-handed pitchers, batting .336. Defensively, he primarily played center field but also made appearances in right field.

2017: World Baseball Classic Gold Medal

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

2017: World Baseball Classic Victory with Team USA

In March 2017, Andrew McCutchen played for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic. He had a crucial RBI-single in the semi-final against Team Japan, helping secure a 2–1 victory. On March 22, Team USA triumphed over Team Puerto Rico with an 8–0 score, claiming their first World Baseball Classic gold medal.

January 15, 2018: Trade to the San Francisco Giants

On January 15, 2018, the Pirates traded Andrew 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.

August 31, 2018: Traded to the New York Yankees

On August 31, 2018, the Giants traded Andrew McCutchen to the New York Yankees for Abiatal Avelino and Juan De Paula. McCutchen shaved his beard and changed his jersey number to 26 due to the Yankees' appearance policy and Jacoby Ellsbury having number 22.

December 12, 2018: Signed with Philadelphia 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 and a buyout.

2018: Pirates Career Rankings

As of 2018, Andrew McCutchen was 2nd among Pirates players in career power-speed number (185.6), 4th in home runs (203), 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: 2018 Season Statistics

During the 2018 season, playing for both the Giants and the Yankees, Andrew McCutchen had a combined batting average of .255, an on-base percentage of .368, and a slugging percentage of .424. He hit 20 home runs, had 95 walks, 14 stolen bases, and 65 RBIs.

2020: 2020 Season Performance

During the pandemic-shortened 2020 season, Andrew McCutchen hit .253/.324/.433 with 10 home runs and 34 RBIs in 57 games.

2021: 2021 Season Performance

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

March 16, 2022: Signed with Milwaukee Brewers

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

2022: Phillies Contract Club Option

In 2022, Andrew McCutchen had a club option with the Philadelphia Phillies.

2022: 2022 Season Performance with Brewers

In 2022, Andrew McCutchen played for the Milwaukee Brewers, batting .237/.316/.384 with 17 home runs. He had more starts as a designated hitter than in the outfield for the first time in his career.

January 20, 2023: Signed with 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 long standing ovation before his first at bat.

December 20, 2023: Signed contract to stay with Pirates

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

April 14, 2024: 300th Career Home Run

On April 14, 2024, Andrew McCutchen hit his 300th career home run off of Ricardo Pinto of the Philadelphia Phillies.

December 23, 2024: Re-signed with the Pirates

On December 23, 2024, Andrew McCutchen re-signed with the Pirates on a one-year, $5 million contract.

June 1, 2025: Tied for Third Place on Pirates Franchise Home Run List

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

June 8, 2025: Recorded 2,200th Career Hit

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.