USA TODAY Sports

Pittsburgh Pirates' Legend Getting Closer to Making Spring Debut

Originally posted on FanNation Fastball | By Brady Farkas | Last updated 3/1/24

Andrew McCutchen, who re-signed with the Pittsburgh Pirates this offseason, is getting closer to making his spring training debut as he recovers from a partially torn Achilles suffered in 2023.

Per Alex Stumpf of MLB.com:

Cutch, who also hasn’t seen game action yet, is doing defensive drills and swinging the bat. Also can assume we’ll see him play at some point this week.

Cutch, who also hasn’t seen game action yet, is doing defensive drills and swinging the bat. Also can assume we’ll see him play at some point this week.
— Alex Stumpf (@AlexJStumpf) March 1, 2024

That's certainly good to hear about McCutchen, who is a longtime fan favorite with the Pirates. His return to Pittsburgh in 2023 was one of the best feel-good stories of the year.

McCutchen, who starred with the organization from 2009-2017, returned to hit .256 with 12 home runs and 43 RBI in 112 games. He also stole 11 bases and served as a veteran leader on a young team.

He's got 299 career home runs and is one shy of the magic 300 number, so that happening in Pittsburgh will also be a special moment this year.

Lifetime, McCutchen is a .276 hitter with the 299 homers and 1,045 RBI. He's a five-time All-Star, a four-time Silver Slugger, a Gold Glover and a former MVP.

He's played with the Giants, Yankees, Brewers and Phillies in addition to Pittsburgh.

In addition to McCutchen, the Pirates brought in several notable veterans this offseason, including Marco Gonzales, Martin Perez, and Yasmani Grandal.

The team finished fourth in the National League Central last season and is looking to improve on that finish this year.

This article first appeared on FanNation Fastball and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: