Andrew McCutchen shook plenty of hands and shared plenty of hugs with Pirates players and coaches prior to tonight's game here at Globe Life Field.
McCutchen, who signed a minor-league deal with the Rangers while MarcellOzuna agreed to a $12 million deal to become the Pirates' new designated hitter this winter, seemed happy to see some familiar faces. But he did downplay the emotion associated with this particular reunion, saying, "it's not as emotional as it once was."
Back in 2018, McCutchen was with a new club for the first time after being traded to the Giants and felt the emotions of returning to Pittsburgh to play his former team. This time, it was a decision made in free agency that caused his departure, so the circumstances aren't the same.
"Maybe in the heat or the time it was a little different, but at this point now, it's not really different," McCutchen said. "It's just another day at the ballpark. Yeah it's not much emotion compared to the first time when I was traded and stuff. Just another day at the ballpark, I guess. It was good to catch up with people and see how they're doing. Past that, basically it."
McCutchen spent 12 years in a Pirates uniform and played in over 1,700 career games over two separate stints, making his mark as a franchise great and helping bring winning baseball back to Pittsburgh. He's showed a massive amount of love and admiration for the organization, city and the fanbase, and it's been reciprocated. So it brings up a valid question that I brought to McCutchen himself tonight: Is there disappointment associated with not being a Pirate anymore? Here's what he had to say when that was brought up, along with the topics of his relationship with the organization and the offseason discussions between his representation and the Pirates:
That's two instances in which McCutchen declined to answer a question, and another instance in which he suggested a question be directed toward those in the Pirates' front office.
McCutchen didn't say much in response to those three questions, but in a way it seems like he said enough. He did laud the Pirates' offseason efforts to improve the team, all while expressing his appreciation for the opportunity he currently possesses with the Rangers.
"I'm in the major leagues, I'm here and I have a role," McCutchen said. "I'm trying to do my best to learn through that role and the opportunities I'm given. Just being ready. It's crazy that at my age I can still be learning stuff. That's what I'm doing. I've been given a general role. I know what it is. I've just got to go out there and give my best to do it. It's good overall. Just to be in position to help a ball club and also be in the major leagues. There's nothing better than that."
As for any potential future involvement with the Pirates in his post-playing career, McCutchen said, "We'll see."
THE ASYLUM
Cutch downplays seeing the Pirates, and yet ...
Andrew McCutchen shook plenty of hands and shared plenty of hugs with Pirates players and coaches prior to tonight's game here at Globe Life Field.
McCutchen, who signed a minor-league deal with the Rangers while Marcell Ozuna agreed to a $12 million deal to become the Pirates' new designated hitter this winter, seemed happy to see some familiar faces. But he did downplay the emotion associated with this particular reunion, saying, "it's not as emotional as it once was."
Back in 2018, McCutchen was with a new club for the first time after being traded to the Giants and felt the emotions of returning to Pittsburgh to play his former team. This time, it was a decision made in free agency that caused his departure, so the circumstances aren't the same.
"Maybe in the heat or the time it was a little different, but at this point now, it's not really different," McCutchen said. "It's just another day at the ballpark. Yeah it's not much emotion compared to the first time when I was traded and stuff. Just another day at the ballpark, I guess. It was good to catch up with people and see how they're doing. Past that, basically it."
McCutchen spent 12 years in a Pirates uniform and played in over 1,700 career games over two separate stints, making his mark as a franchise great and helping bring winning baseball back to Pittsburgh. He's showed a massive amount of love and admiration for the organization, city and the fanbase, and it's been reciprocated. So it brings up a valid question that I brought to McCutchen himself tonight: Is there disappointment associated with not being a Pirate anymore? Here's what he had to say when that was brought up, along with the topics of his relationship with the organization and the offseason discussions between his representation and the Pirates:
That's two instances in which McCutchen declined to answer a question, and another instance in which he suggested a question be directed toward those in the Pirates' front office.
McCutchen didn't say much in response to those three questions, but in a way it seems like he said enough. He did laud the Pirates' offseason efforts to improve the team, all while expressing his appreciation for the opportunity he currently possesses with the Rangers.
"I'm in the major leagues, I'm here and I have a role," McCutchen said. "I'm trying to do my best to learn through that role and the opportunities I'm given. Just being ready. It's crazy that at my age I can still be learning stuff. That's what I'm doing. I've been given a general role. I know what it is. I've just got to go out there and give my best to do it. It's good overall. Just to be in position to help a ball club and also be in the major leagues. There's nothing better than that."
As for any potential future involvement with the Pirates in his post-playing career, McCutchen said, "We'll see."
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