Pittsburgh Pirates: Andrew McCutchen returns to Pittsburgh for first time as a Giant
The Pittsburgh Pirates welcome back former face of the franchise Andrew McCutchen for his first series as a visiting player. How will he be welcomed?
Pittsburgh Pirates fans were understandably disappointed when the team traded away the franchise’s cornerstone, Andrew McCutchen, this past offseason to the San Francisco Giants. How will he be welcomed back tonight?
Andrew McCutchen left after 2017 as the 10th-ranked player in Pirates history in bWAR for position players and 4th in organization history in home runs. He was also 9th in the organization’s runs created all-time list.
More importantly, McCutchen was a likable, talented player that broke in with an organization that was struggling each season and helped to lead them to competitiveness. In 2013, the team’s first playoff appearance in 22 years, McCutchen was the National League MVP after hitting .317/.404/.508 with 21 home runs and 27 stolen bases.
Andrew McCutchen arguably had his two best seasons on either side of his MVP season, but he finished 3rd in both seasons in the NL MVP race. Overall, McCutchen had 5 All-Star appearances with the Pirates, hit 20+ home runs six times, and finished his Pirate career with a .291/.379/.487 line.
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How will Pittsburgh Pirates fans respond?
While Pirates fans were upset with the team when McCutchen and former ace Gerrit Cole were traded in the offseason, early season success with the rebuilt roster has helped to ease some of that pain, which should allow for a pleasant reception for McCutchen.
Oddly, Andrew McCutchen’s Giants come in at 19-19 after all of their big offseason moves to face the Pittsburgh Pirates, who currently sit at 21-16. Friday night will see Pirates ace Jameson Taillon take the hill against Giants rookie Andrew Suarez. Saturday will feature a matchup of Jeff Samardzija, still trying to get on track after returning from injury, against Chad Kuhl, who has been a killer at home. Ivan Nova starts Sunday for the Pittsburgh Pirates, while Derek Holland toes the rubber for the Giants.
Next: Pirates send Brault to bullpen
Hopefully, Pittsburgh Pirates fans do it right tonight and welcome home Andrew McCutchen with the long ovation he is due, then go back to cheering for the boys in black and gold!