The Pirates have made it official. Andrew McCutchen is returning to Pittsburgh on a one-year deal.
Listen: Andrew McCutchen news conference live at 3:30
MLB.com reports it’s a $5 million deal.
"We are thrilled to be able to reunite with Andrew. His return just feels right. It is right for our team, for Andrew and his family, for our fans and for the game of baseball,” said Pirates owner Bob Nutting in a statement. “Andrew is a special player and person. It is going to be exciting to again see him take the field wearing 22 in the black and gold.”
"Andrew means so much to the Pirates,” said Pirates general manager Ben Cherington. “His past contribution to the Pirates and Pittsburgh speaks for itself. Most importantly for 2023, we believe Andrew’s on-field skill, work ethic and experience are a great fit for our team.”
Drafted in the first-round of the 2005 MLB draft, McCutchen helped lead the Pirates to three straight playoff appearances from 2013-2015.
During his nine years in Pittsburgh, McCutchen had a .291 batting average with 203 home runs, 1,263, 1,002 RBI and slugged .487.
He will be 36-years-old heading into the 2023 season.
Last year with Milwaukee, McCutchen hit .237 with 69 RBI and 17 home runs.
McCutchen was traded to the San Francisco Giants before the 2018 season.
The Pirates acquired outfielder Bryan Reynolds and pitcher Kyle Crick as well as international signing bonus money in exchange for McCutchen.
McCutchen also spent time with the New York Yankees, Philadelphia Phillies and most recently Milwaukee Brewers.
McCutchen reportedly still lives in the Pittsburgh area with his wife Maria and their three children.
The most popular Pirates player of this century still gets a standing ovation from fans when he plays against the Pirates.