PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – In his decision to return to the Pirates for another season, it wasn't about a victory lap, rather Andrew McCutchen thinks the rebuild of this franchise is over.
"We need to be able to be in a place where we can win," McCutchen said Wednesday.
"There has been enough seasoning from a club's standpoint and the eight-nine guys in the lineup. Let's put the big boy pants and let's get to work."
McCutchen said they still need to take a few steps forward, but the Pirates window of development and rebuild is over. He said they are now in a place where they can compete based on recent draft picks who are ready or close to being ready. He said he noticed a number of players in the minors who are 'eager, ready and hungry'.
Of course, he played or was around a number of them given the injuries and at times what seemed like tryouts in several positions in 2023.
"We have options, and that's great too," McCutchen said. "Options for people that can come and be a part of this ballclub and that can help this ballclub win."
"I really think Spring Training is going to be different this time around. I'm not the manager, nor do I work in the front office, but I feel like there are going to be a lot of positions to be win. There are going to be a lot spots to be won in the rotation and the bullpen."
"It's going to be a big competition for a lot of guys. I think that is going to propel us into the season to get things started."
Along with wanting to retire, someday, as a Pirate, McCutchen believes in this team. He's back because he thinks he can contribute to a winner. He's been a part of one rebirth of the franchise, he's ready for it to happen again.
