PITTSBURGH — The news that Andrew McCutchen had signed with the Pirates was incredible and predictably and rightfully was received with open arms and enthusiasm from fans and observers of all shapes and sizes and from all corners of Pirates nation.
McCutchen is the most popular Pirates player probably since Willie Stargell played. He is the most important Pirates player since Barry Bonds. He helped lead the Pirates renaissance as they put 20 years of losing in their rearview mirrors and clinched playoff berths three years in a row from 2013-15.
He was not only the best player on those teams, but he was the biggest fan favorite, the team leader, the most respected and most requested player during that era, as well. He is also a champion in the community and just someone that was always very easy to root for.
