The Pittsburgh Pirates have been playing quite well to the surprise of many around Major League Baseball.
The team lost 100 games last season and fell short of the postseason for the seventh-straight year.
However, they are 7-4 to start the 2023 season and are only one game back of the Milwaukee Brewers, who lead the National League Central division.
The injury to Oneil Cruz certainly hurt them, but they still are winning ballgames.
Andrew McCutchen is back in town after several years away, and the Pirates appear to be benefitting greatly from his presence.
On MLB Now, star outfielder Bryan Reynolds discussed the impact McCutchen has on the team.
“It’s been really special. He means a lot to this city and to the fans.”
NL Player of the Week Bryan Reynolds shared what it’s been like having Andrew McCutchen back in a @Pirates uniform.#MLBCentral | #LetsGoBucs pic.twitter.com/rODyy9v2YE
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) April 12, 2023
Reynolds says that it’s been special to have a player like McCutchen around this season, expressing how much he means to his fellow teammates, the City of Pittsburgh, and the entire Pirates fanbase.
The star outfielder also said that he was impressed by the way McCutchen goes about his business.
He praised him for the way he takes his at-bats and his professionalism.
The former MVP has brought a solid veteran presence to the Pirates clubhouse, which Reynolds believes is beneficial for a team that is so young and has so many new players.
Reynolds says it’s fun to see McCutchen in action and see the effect he has on the fanbase as videos of his Opening Day ovation were shown.
A veteran presence around young stars certainly has benefitted the Pirates.
Reynolds thinks so, and is excited to see what McCutchen can do in 2023.
NEXT:
2 Pirates Teammates Made History On Tuesday