Top Five Moments of Andrew McCutchen’s Pirates career

Number 1: Named NL MVP, November 14, 2013

When Andrew McCutchen was drafted, he was one of the best amateur players in the game. He developed into one of the best prospects in the game during his time in the minor leagues. When he was called up, he was considered the savior of the franchise. Those are some lofty expectations and on November 14th, 2013, McCutchen confirmed everyone’s beliefs.

In 2012, McCutchen had a fantastic season and many Pirates’ fans were hopeful he would win the team’s first league MVP since Barry Bonds in 1992. However, the team collapsed and McCutchen ended up finishing third. He followed up his breakout 2012 season with an even better on in 2013. This time, the team finished the job, winning 94 games and the 2013 NL Wildcard Game. McCutchen was rewarded for his efforts when he was unanimously named the NL MVP.

2013 wasn’t just McCutchen proving to the world he was a superstar player, it was the Pirates showing everyone they were back from the abyss of 20 straight losing seasons. I know we’re all disappointed from the mediocre 2016 season but this year doesn’t negate how important 2013 was. Not only for McCutchen but for the Pirates and especially the fans. No matter what happens in 2017 and beyond, fans will always have Andrew McCutchen’s 2013 MVP season to look back on. He was the best player in the entire National League that season and helped rebond the city with its baseball club.

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