Andrew McCutchen’s Latest Milestone Yet Another Reminder of Storied Pirates’ Career

PITTSBURGH — If a Pittsburgh Pirates’ player finds himself in the same company as Roberto Clemente, Ralph Kiner and Willie Stargell, there are a couple things that must be true.

First, he would’ve had to play enough games in Pittsburgh to even qualify. Second, he’d have to be an impact player to be in the same conversation as three players enshrined in Cooperstown.

Andrew McCutchen fits the criteria.

McCutchen, now in his second stint and 12th season overall with the Pirates, climbed the franchise’s all-time home run list on Wednesday afternoon in a 5-2 win over the Miami Marlins at PNC Park.

The 38-year-old belted a three-run home run for his 241st home run while wearing a Pirates’ uniform. In doing so, McCutchen passed Roberto Clemente for the third-most home runs with Pittsburgh. Only Stargell (475) and Kiner (301) have more.

No. 241 for No. 22 👏 pic.twitter.com/2evy3ATi6I

— Pittsburgh Pirates (@Pirates) June 11, 2025

“It’s longevity. It’s consistency. Just the way that he’s gone about it,” Kelly said on McCutchen’s milestone. “And wasn’t here for a few years, too. Where would it even be if he was here the whole time? He’s just had a heck of a career.”

McCutchen’s blast cleared the left-center field fence and gave the Pirates’ a 4-0 lead. After making his way back to the dugout, public address announcer Guy Junker acknowledged the milestone at the same time a graphic marking the occasion was displayed on the left-field scoreboard.

The fans in attendance rose to their feet, and McCutchen climbed the dugout steps for a curtain call.

“It’s always great,” McCutchen said on the ovation. “They threw it up on the board for me. So definitely had to go out there and be recognized for that and just tell everybody thanks for being there and being able to be in that moment with me. It’s great to have had that opportunity and to be able to do it here.”

McCutchen’s storied career in Pittsburgh is in its final chapters, but the veteran has been a key part of the Pirates team and continues to be one of their better performers offensively.

Through 60 games to start the season, McCutchen carries a respectable .263/.354/.405 batting line with 11 doubles, six home runs and 25 RBI.

“You look at his at-bats, the way he’s driving the ball, the way he hit the ball in this series the other way,” Kelly said of McCutchen. “He has tremendous at-bats, and he’s a big part of the team.”

It was just over 20 years ago when the Pirates took a then 18-year-old McCutchen with the 11th pick in the 2005 draft out of Ft. Meade High School in Florida.

His first stint in Pittsburgh included a National League MVP award, five All-Star appearances, four Silver Sluggers and a Gold Glove. McCutchen was also the lead man of the last three Pirates’ playoff teams from 2013-15.

In addition to now taking over third place on the Pirates’ all-time home run list, McCutchen ranks ninth in team history in hits (1,721), sixth in RBI (843), fifth in extra-base hits (815), 10th in runs (956), 10th in steals (186) and ninth in games played (1,638).

There’s still time to improve a couple of those rankings and pass some other Pirates’ greats.

“I just know if I had the opportunity, that means I either turned into Babe Ruth or I played long enough to be able to put up the numbers. I’ll take the latter on that,” he said.

McCutchen’s in his 17th big-league season. He’ll turn 39 years old in October. Keep appreciating him while you still can, Pittsburgh, just as much as his teammates are.

“The guy has been doing it for so long, such a good player, great career numbers,” said Bailey Falter, who was Wednesday’s winning pitcher. “He was one of my first teammates in Philly. He’s always been good to me. Love that guy to death. I couldn’t be happier for him.”