Needless to say, many fans and the Pirates players themselves weren't too pleased when the team agreed to send Andrew McCutchen, the face of their franchise, to a National League contender. Here are some of their reactions:
Francisco Cervelli immediately tweeted this emoji in disbelief:
??
— Francisco Cervelli (@fran_cervelli) January 15, 2018
Felipe Rivero summed it up with a facepalm and a gif from The Office:
??♂️
— Felipe Rivero (@Rivero43) January 15, 2018
— Felipe Rivero (@Rivero43) January 15, 2018
Lance shared this from Gregory Polanco's Instagram:
I assume Gregory Polanco is not happy with the news ... pic.twitter.com/mM8ZvILliR
— Lance Lysowski (@LLysowski) January 15, 2018
Some wished Cutch luck, or thanked him for his time here:
@TheCUTCH22 Good Luck in the Bay Cutch! If there’s one thing I can guarantee, it’s that you’re going to LOVE it out there! Take care of him @SFGiants Fans! #Gamer
— George Kontos (@G_Kontos) January 15, 2018
@TheCUTCH22 hit a home run during my first Big League start to un-tie the game, when he came into the dugout he said "I got you", helping me earn my first W! He is a good guy and @SFGiants will be lucky to have him.
— Casey Sadler (@sadler_squared) January 15, 2018
Tough to see a guy like @TheCUTCH22 go. The dude is cooler than cool, and has that “wow” factor. Admired the way you went about your business bro, #’s 21 and 22 might be off limits for future Pirates!
— Jameson Taillon (@JTaillon19) January 15, 2018
New Pirate Kyle Crick didn't hide his surprise, either:
Well that escalated quickly. Appreciate the @SFGiants and its very large fan base for always staying behind me. Y'all are awesome.
— Kyle Crick (@K_Crick49) January 15, 2018
Pirates fans shared some of the happier moments from Cutch's nine seasons:
Cutch pic.twitter.com/rAbZa3TB7k
— Neil Bhaerman (@NeilAnAlien) January 15, 2018
Thank you for 9 unforgettable seasons, Cutch!
You gave us so many unbelievable memories in the black and gold, here is one of my all-time favorites of #22: pic.twitter.com/PclkUT3HnO
— Kevaney Martin (@KevaneyMartin) January 15, 2018
Most, though, were just angry:
Steelers -- Well we really let the city of Pittsburgh down
........
Pirates -- Hold my beer
........
Trade McCutchen to the SF Giants
— SteelerNation (@SteeIerNation) January 15, 2018
Here is my full and final analysis of the Andrew McCutchen trade:
I'm really happy for him that he doesn't have to play for the Pirates anymore.
— DJ Gallo (@DJGalloEtc) January 15, 2018
These numbnuts running the Pirates would have traded Roberto Clemente.
— Chris Dokish (@ChrisDokish) January 15, 2018
all of pittsburgh: i can’t believe you would trade the face of the franchise, im done supporting the pirates!
bob nutting: pic.twitter.com/SyNCVfZZZ2
— bo (@Bo_knows_Lanham) January 15, 2018
Eventually, McCutchen tweeted his own reaction, thanking Pittsburgh for his time here, but looking forward to the new opportunity:
Pittsburgh.My Home.My Fans.My City. The placed that raised me and helped mold me into the man I am today. You will 4ever be in my heart.A tip of the cap to all who have been on this journey with me. With Love and respect,
— andrew mccutchen (@TheCUTCH22) January 15, 2018
Cutch pic.twitter.com/QB0n9vuBuZ
Now...I’m a Giant!??Ive always enjoyed watching the success of the @SFGiants and I look foward to being apart of more this season. Can’t wait to meet my new teammates and fans. This is just the beginning...
— andrew mccutchen (@TheCUTCH22) January 15, 2018
Hey, this is still the Pirates' tweet pinned to the top of their profile, with highlights of McCutchen mixed in. Don't miss out on that, I guess:
2018 Single-Game tickets are on sale NOW!
Opening Day, 42 promotional games, 14 Kids Days and more!
Be Here: https://t.co/dWgQ2fOo80 pic.twitter.com/J4E0znH6dF
— Pirates (@Pirates) December 8, 2017