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. McCutchen represented the United States in the 2017 World Baseball Classic, helping Team USA secure their first gold medal in the tournament.

Sections (4)

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

1974: Last Pirate to win Roberto Clemente Award

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

1988: Last Pirate with two Awards

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 Bonds

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

1992: Pirates 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.

2005: Drafted and Signed with the Pirates

In 2005, Andrew McCutchen was drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates and signed with them, receiving a $1.9 million signing bonus. He played for the Rookie Gulf Coast League (GCL) Pirates and the Class A Williamsport Crosscutters, achieving impressive stats.

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 Pirates' Minor League Player of the Year. He also played for the Single-A Hickory Crawdads and the Double-A Altoona Curve, demonstrating strong performance.

2006: Last Pirate 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: Continued Minor League Success

In 2007, Andrew McCutchen continued his minor league career, playing for Altoona and Indianapolis. He was also part of the Arizona Fall League All-Prospect Team.

2008: International League All-Star

In 2008, Andrew McCutchen was an International League All-Star and played the entire season with Indianapolis.

June 3, 2009: Called Up to MLB

On June 3, 2009, Andrew McCutchen was called up to MLB for the first time after the Pirates traded Nate McLouth.

2009: MLB Debut

Andrew McCutchen made his MLB debut in 2009.

2009: Final Season in Indianapolis

In 2009, Andrew McCutchen played 49 games for Indianapolis before being called up to MLB.

2010: Everyday Center Fielder for the Pirates

In 2010, Andrew McCutchen became the Pirates' everyday center fielder. He received high praise from Atlanta Braves manager Bobby Cox.

2010: All-Star Snub

In 2010, despite a strong performance, Andrew McCutchen was not named to the National League All-Star Team.

August 30, 2011: 20-20 Season

On August 30, 2011, Andrew McCutchen hit a ninth-inning homer against the Houston Astros, achieving at least 20 home runs and 20 stolen bases in one season, the first Pirate to accomplish this since Nate McLouth in 2008.

2011: All-Star Selection

In 2011, Andrew McCutchen was selected as an All-Star.

March 5, 2012: Contract Extension with the Pirates

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

2012: Multiple Awards and Honors

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: Silver Slugger and Gold Glove Awards

In 2012, Andrew McCutchen won the Silver Slugger Award and a Gold Glove Award.

April 3, 2013: 100th Career Stolen Base

On April 3, 2013, Andrew McCutchen stole his 100th career base.

September 3, 2013: 100th Career Home Run

On September 3, 2013, Andrew McCutchen hit his 100th career home run against the Milwaukee Brewers.

2013: National League MVP

Andrew McCutchen was named the National League Most Valuable Player in 2013.

2013: All-Star Selection

Andrew McCutchen was named to the 2013 NL All-Star Team for the third straight year as a reserve.

2013: Postseason Appearance

Andrew McCutchen's contributions helped the Pittsburgh Pirates reach the postseason for the first time since 1992.

2013: MLB 13: The Show Cover Athlete

In 2013, Andrew McCutchen was featured on the cover of the baseball video game MLB 13: The Show.

June 15, 2014: NL Player of the Week

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

June 2014: NL Player of the Month

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

2014: MLB 14: The Show Back Cover Appearance

In 2014, Andrew McCutchen appeared on the back cover of the baseball video game MLB 14: The Show.

March 25, 2015: McCutchen cuts dreadlocks for charity

On March 25, 2015, Andrew McCutchen cut his signature dreadlocks, which were then auctioned off through MLB's website. All the proceeds from the auction benefited Pirates Charities.

April 29, 2015: 1,000th Career Hit

On April 29, 2015, Andrew McCutchen recorded his 1,000th career hit.

2015: Silver Slugger and Roberto Clemente Award

After the 2015 season, Andrew McCutchen won his fourth straight Silver Slugger Award and the Roberto Clemente Award.

2015: Pirates Wild Card Berth

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

April 26, 2016: Three Home Runs in a Game

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

2017: World Baseball Classic Gold Medal

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

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.

2018: Contract Extension with the Pirates Club Option

On March 5, 2012, Andrew McCutchen signed a six-year contract extension with the Pirates for $51.5 million, with 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: Phillies Contract Buyout

Andrew McCutchen's contract with the Phillies included a $3 million buyout for 2022.

January 20, 2023: McCutchen Returns to Pittsburgh Pirates

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

April 7, 2023: McCutchen's 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.

December 20, 2023: McCutchen signs to stay with the Pirates

On December 20, 2023, Andrew 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.

April 14, 2024: McCutchen hits 300th home run

On April 14, 2024, Andrew McCutchen hit his 300th home run, a two-run shot off of Philadelphia Phillies reliever Ricardo Pinto.

December 23, 2024: McCutchen Re-Signs with the Pirates

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

June 1, 2025: McCutchen ties Roberto Clemente on Pirates Home Run List

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

June 8, 2025: McCutchen Records 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.