Spring in MLB often stirs up strong opinions. One moment, a player is diligently working on the field; the next, he’s the center of an online debate. That’s precisely what happened when Andrew McCutchen found himself under scrutiny.​

So this is what went down. Baseball analyst David Todd took to X to basically write off the Pittsburgh Pirates’ 2025 season. In the middle of his analysis? A pointed review related to Andrew McCutchen. He called out McCutchen’s performance, citing a 92 wRC and questioning his value in the lineup. “Play him, do not play him“, he said. “He shouldn’t be a priority“. Then came the real twist: Todd said the Pirates need to just trade him to a contender.

Now, for a veteran like McCutchen—an ex-MVP—those words hit distinctly and he did not stop. In true McCutchen style, the star clapped back with, “well thank God ur not a GM. Did not know the season only lasted thru the month of April“. A short sentence, but it echoed loudly across the league. Because McCutchen wasn’t just defending himself—he was defending his city, his clubhouse, and the game he still loves playing.

But the criticism was not just related to McCutchen. It hinted at something bigger—whether the Pirates as a whole are worth watching this season. And to that, McCutchen seemed to say, “we are just getting started“. This is a player who’s seen the highs and lows of the game. He knows what it means to grind through a season, to lead by example, and to turn doubters into believers.

At 38, he could not be the speedster or power-hitter he once was. But, what he brings to the team is something that stats can not always measure. Intangibles. Leadership. Grit. McCutchen’s fire is what the Pirates need right now—and that fire just got stoked by a doubter’s tweet.

And one can not forget the bigger picture: McCutchen chose to return to Pittsburgh. He was not forced into it. He came back to where it all started—not just to retire in peace, but to contribute, inspire and perhaps, just perhaps, prove that this young Pirates team is not as out of the fight as some think.

Because if there is one thing McCutchen’s reply made clear—it is that April’s not the finish line. It is just the first pitch.

Andrew McCutchen steps off social media

Just after the heated debate with David Todd  and an electrifying three-run homer that powered the Pirates to a 9-3 victory over the Angels, Andrew McCutchen made a surprising move. He declared that he would be stepping away from Twitter. McCutchen tweeted, “I am about to get off this app. It truly is a dark and depressing place“. For someone who has spent years as the face of the team, the decision was not just related to avoiding negativity. It was related to reclaiming his mental space and aiming for a good scope.

Despite the noise, McCutchen’s on-field performance tells a distinctive story. His leadership and dedication to the team are evident every time he steps up to the plate. While his batting consistency has fluctuated throughout the season, McCutchen’s determination has not wavered. His .752 OPS and clutch performance in current games — containing that vital homer — highlight that he remains an elite. Derek Shelton has been vocal about McCutchen’s stature, emphasizing how the veteran continues to push himself physically and mentally for the good of the team. For the star, the game is still his primary focus. His message is clear: he will keep playing every day, no matter what, as long as it helps his team win. As his performance proves, his commitment to his craft is unwavering.

Andrew McCutchen’s reaction was not just related to silencing critics—it was related to reigniting belief. On the field and off, he is proving that leadership goes beyond data. With his bat, voice and availability, the star is still driving the Pirates forward—one swing, one message and one April reminder at a time.