Andrew McCutchen Released from Minor League Team, Retirement Looms

Andrew McCutchen, the former All-Star outfielder for the Pittsburgh Pirates, has been released from the Triple-A Gwinnett Stripers, part of the Atlanta Braves organization. This move follows his signing of a minor league deal with the Braves on July 2 after being let go by the Texas Rangers earlier in the season.

During his career, McCutchen has been a five-time All-Star and won the NL MVP award in 2013, spending 12 of his 18 major league seasons with the Pirates. He recorded a batting average of .281 with 248 home runs and 351 doubles in Pittsburgh. Although he aimed to play this season, the Pirates did not have a roster spot available for him. After a brief stint with the Rangers, where he struggled with a .192 batting average, he performed better at Triple-A with 10 hits in 32 plate appearances.

At 39 years old, McCutchen's options are limited, primarily to designated hitter roles, making it challenging to find a new team. Speculation suggests that he may consider retiring with a one-day contract with the Pirates, concluding his career where it began.