PITTSBURGH – Andrew McCutchen received a standing ovation ahead of his final PNC Park at-bat of the 2025 season, which added to speculation that it could be his last at-bat in Pittsburgh.

McCutchen, who turns 39 years old next month, is in his 17th big-league season and his 12th with the Pirates. While he expressed a desire to continue his career when speaking to the media following the Pirates’ 11-0 rout of the Athletics on Sunday, he was unsure of whether or not that would be with the Pirates.

“We’ll see what happens. Obviously, a lot of that stuff is out of my control, so I just need to do my part,” he said. “I do want to continue playing, so wherever that may be. I’m looking forward to seeing where the offseason takes me. We’ll move on from there. I’ve got six games left, so I’ll try to finish the season strong.”

McCutchen, who played the first nine years of his career with Pittsburgh before stops with the San Francisco Giants, New York Yankees, Philadelphia Phillies and Milwaukee Brewers, returned to the Pirates for the 2023 season as a free agent. Since rejoining the Pirates, McCutchen has served as the team’s primary designated hitter. 

McCutchen has accomplished a lot throughout his MLB career. The five-time All-Star was named the 2013 National League MVP. He’s won four Silver Sluggers, a Gold Glove and is the active leader in game played (2,257). 

McCutchen ranks third all-time in franchise history with 248 home runs and is in the top 10 in hits (1,778), doubles (351), RBI (875), runs (985) and walks (884).

In three seasons since returning to the organization, the Pirates have yet to finish above .500 and are 67-89 and in last place in the National League Central this season with six more games on the schedule.

McCutchen has yet to play in a World Series game and hasn’t been to the postseason since 2018 as a member of the Yankees. 

Although he’s expressed a desire to finish his career in Pittsburgh, McCutchen has also expressed a desire to win, while at the same time maintaining the need to be a productive player.

“That’s the goal,” McCutchen said when asked if he still wanted to retire a Pirate. “I’m not necessarily just here to be here. It would be good to have that opportunity but we’ll pass that bridge when we get there.”