McCutchen started his career with the Pirates and blossomed into one of the best players in the league, winning NL MVP during the 2013 season while also finishing in the top five in voting in 2012, 2014 and 2015. His arrival helped spark a brief resurgence for the Pirates franchise, ending what had been a 20-year run of consecutive losing seasons. Their 2013 trip to the NLDS was the team’s first playoff appearance since 1992.

He was traded to San Francisco during the 2018 season in a deal that sent All-Star centerfielder Bryan Reynolds to Pittsburgh. Along with the Giants, McCutchen has also spent time with the New York Yankees, Philadelphia Phillies and Milwaukee Brewers.

His return to Pittsburgh should be a bright spot for Pirates fans given how widely beloved he remains.

It will also see him reach another career milestone. Last season, McCutchen recorded his 2,000th career hit and will enter the 2024 campaign just one home run shy of 300 for his career.

The Pirates roster is still not very good, with ownership and the front office refusing to spend in free agency or via trade. But having the return of a healthy Oneil Cruz and fan-favorite McCutchen should at least make them worth watching.