Andrew McCutchen is the 10th oldest player in the majors at 38, according to mlb.com. But his age does not slow him down one bit.
The MLBbro veteran continues to show why he’s still playing this game and why he’s had success for so many years. Recently, he even showed that he can still get the job done in the outfield. When McCutchen rejoined the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2023, he was primarily used as a designated hitter.
This season, he has already seen time in right field. If you’re someone who’s followed McCutchen throughout his career, you know that he was an elite defender during his early years with the Pirates, winning a Gold Glove award in 2012.
Looking comfortable in the outfield
He made the start in right field for the Pirates home opener this season against the New York Yankees and the fans showed nothing but love to the former MVP.
“It means the most to me,” McCutchen said in an article from mlb.com. “I know that you can’t do this forever, so I try to play every day like it’s going to be my last one. It’s great to get that from the crowd. Obviously, I haven’t been able to be out in right to receive that a whole lot, so to do it here on Opening Day in Pittsburgh feels great and meant a lot to me, because who knows if I ever get that opportunity again.”
McCutchen flashed some leather during the game making a nice running catch in the fourth inning to secure the final out and end the inning.
“It’s like riding a bike,” McCutchen said. “Some things you may lose physically, but when it comes to playing the outfield, I feel I can still do it. I may not be able to do it as much as I used to, but when given the opportunity, I know I can play a good enough outfield where I know I’m not hurting the team.”
Andrew McCutchen had a special relationship with Willie Mays: Still stroking for Pirates at age 38
The way McCutchen was moving out there, you wouldn’t think that he’s been playing for over 15 years. It looks like he could play until he’s 40 if he wanted to. And that just shows how great of an athlete he is and how great of a job he’s doing taking care of his body.
Through seven games this season, McCutchen is carrying a .316 batting average with a home run and two RBI. He has also made two starts in right field.
As the season progresses, the Pirates may utilize him more in the outfield depending on how he feels.
“I think we have to be mindful that he’s 38, but it was a conversation that included him of, ‘Hey, do you feel comfortable being out there?’” Pirates’ manager Derek Shelton said. “Don’t want to put him in any situation where he’s not like that, and he was full go.”
We have to enjoy each moment McCutchen steps on the field because he’s in the twilight of a fine career. And what he’s accomplished certainly not go unnoticed.
