MLB 21st century face of the franchise — Pittsburgh Pirates: Andrew McCutchen
Consider this fact about Andrew McCutchen. Before he rose to stardom as center fielder of the Pirates, Pittsburgh had not made a postseason appearance in two decades. In fact they’d rarely contended, finishing double digits behind their division champion every season but one since 1993.
With McCutchen in a leadership role, the Pirates reached post-season play in 2013, 2014 and 2015. Since he left, the Pirates have not returned to the postseason.
“Cutch” was a popular figure in Pittsburgh virtually from the moment the Pirates chose him in the first round of the 2005 draft. Debuting in 2009, he finished fourth in the Rookie of the Year balloting, hitting .286. he topped .300 for the first of three straight seasons in 2012 with a league-leading 194 hits.
McCutchen won the hearts of Pirate fans with an infectious personality and an on-field combination of power and hustle. He topped 20 stolen bases each of his first five seasons while reaching double figures in home runs annually from his debut until his trade to San Francisco following the 2017 season.
In 2013, he was the National League’s MVP, that selection based on his .317 average, his .404 on base mark, his .508 slugging average and his centerpiece role in carrying Pittsburgh to its first postseason game since 1992.
The January 2018 trade to the Giants was occasioned both by what was perceived in Pittsburgh to be McCutchen’s declining defensive skills and also by the expense of keeping him long-term.
McCutchen is returning to Pittsburgh for 2023.
In the wings: Take your pick. Third baseman Ke’Bryan Hayes has star potential, but hasn’t yet established the ability to deliver consistently at the plate. Shortstop Oneil Cruz fits the same profile: great potential, limited production to date. Either or both could blossom into the face of the Pirate franchise … or they may not.
As for Bryan Reynolds, he has the offensive credentials, but you don’t win Face of the Franchise by demanding a trade.