During a recent interview with Chris Rose of Chris Rose Sports, Pittsburgh Pirates icon Andrew McCutchen opened up about the challenges of aging in baseball and his responsibilities as a veteran leader.
Reflecting on his career, McCutchen shared with Rose the fear that weighs on him most: the looming reality of retirement and his desire to control when and how it happens.
Andrew McCutchen Opens Up About Looming Retirement
In a recent dugout interview with Rose, McCutchen candidly discussed his anxieties about the end of his career.
The Pirates outfielder shared, “I think about it all the time. I want to be able to know that I’m done, that it’s my time to hang the cleats up, and call it a career. I don’t believe that time is yet, but I know a time will come when I do feel that way.”
He added, “Every time I go out there on that field before a game, I play it like it’s my last one because at one point it will be your last one. Whenever it’s time to hang it up, I’ll be fine with it because I know I gave it all I had.”
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Drafted 11th overall by the Pirates in 2005, McCutchen has had a remarkable career. Since returning to Pittsburgh in 2023, he could potentially retire as one of the Pirates’ all-time greats.
From his MLB debut in 2009 to present day, McCutchen has been a key player for Pittsburgh, earning five consecutive All-Star selections (2011-2015), the 2013 National League MVP, four Silver Slugger Awards, and a Gold Glove in 2012. He led the NL in hits in 2012 and OBP in 2014.
After leaving Pittsburgh in 2017, McCutchen had stints with the San Francisco Giants, New York Yankees, Philadelphia Phillies, and Milwaukee Brewers before rejoining the Pirates in 2023.
At 38 years old, McCutchen continues to contribute to the Pirates, batting .257 with a .350 OBP and 12 RBIs through 32 appearances in 2025. He currently leads the team in doubles and ranks third in home runs and OPS.
Despite his efforts, the Pirates are struggling at 12-26, last in the NL Central. After a seven-game losing streak, manager Derek Shelton was fired on May 8, with Pittsburgh native Don Kelly stepping in as interim manager, hoping to leverage McCutchen’s experience. Despite the Pirates’ struggles, McCutchen’s potential Hall of Fame career remains a focal point for baseball fans.