The Case for Cooperstown: Andrew McCutchen

Brian Kenny takes a look at the case for Cooperstown for Pirates legend Andrew McCutchen. Does he get your vote?

[@Hollowsmith]

Above and beyond Cutch's elite 6 year run from 2010 through 2015 that saw him win an MVP with 5 consecutive all-star appearances, I'll *ALSO* add that even if Cutch retires today, he already has HISTORICALLY broad statistical excellence. I'll prove it... * Cutch is over 300 home runs. * Cutch is over 2,000 hits. * Cutch is over 1,000 walks * Cutch is over 400 doubles. * Cutch is over 200 stolen bases. How many players in major league HISTORY can claim all 5 of those? It's an *EXTREMELY* short list. In fact if one of you stat-heads can look that up, I bet you'll find wayyyyyyy less players can claim all 5 of those in major league history than you think. It requires good power, good average, good batting patience, and good speed, all over a significant length of time. Throw in former golden glove fielding skills and a 5 to 6 year run of truly elite play (not to mention making the Pirates relevant post-season contenders for a few years for the first time in decades) and I really think you have to consider him. Cutch is not A+ at anything, but he's A- at damn-near EVERYTHING.

[@rickflinn8658]

I think Andrew Mccutchen is, and has been a great ball player and a good man. Some may see a great talent in Mchaddo and that he should be in the hall of fame. Mccutchen has good sportsmanship and a persevering commitment to the game. Thus; exceptional and noteworthy for Hall of Fame.

[@erichite4871]

its not all 100% about numbers (Which are already very impressive). Andrew McCutchen led a full scale baseball revival in my city of Pittsburgh. He took this downtrodden and depressed fanbase that knew nothing but losing and taught us how to smile again, he told the rest of the baseball world hey,the pittsburgh pirates still exist. What he meant to the game, to the city, he deserves to be in cooperstown. I look forward to the day when they retire #22 at PNC Park.

[@ericpantalone5229]

A revival that led to nothing. You're too used to mediocrity. And clearly biased as a homer. Sorry, he's not getting in unless something changes going forward. Don Mattingly was a bigger star, the best player in baseball, captain of the Yankees, beloved by everyone, 9 gold gloves, MVP, batting title and didn't sniff the hall. Not happening. Sorry.

[@dogmanandborisproductions]

@@ericpantalone5229well we’re not the Yankees pal we haven’t done anything since the 70’s until he arrived he a superstar and when you think of 3 pirates players he usually one of them he might get in just saying.

[@benmartinez8248]

If he has a career year and takes the bucs deep in the postseason, i’d say give him the nod.

[@tonychen3628]

Cutch might be able to if he plays alright through mid 40s(a long shot), or an era-comittee entry long after. He will have his #22 retired by Bucs, and a spot in hof in the team at least.

[@sah4128]

The numbers are close, what he meant and will always mean to Pittsburgh and the comeback of a baseball city should make him a HOFer. Also one of the most respected players in this era I would say

[@kelseywhitlatch173]

Add another milestone to the list 300 homers.. the man did this all while playing mostly for bad “and some really good during his 4 years as the best” Pirate teams. Making it even more impressive

[@thatboydre8649]

Hes changed my view jusr by lookibg at the smalllis of playerswhowerethe best for3-4 years😊

[@matthewstewart6426]

Cutch is a nice player, but Jim Edmonds and Andruw Jones are better CF’s who aren’t in the hall of fame

[@bggraham83]

Yeah but they weren't selfless. That's the difference and character does count. Ask Terrell Owens.

[@gabrielv.2647]

He was a phenomenal player in his prime, but he isn't a hall of famer in my opinion, he will be for sure for the pirates hall of Fame and number retired, but big difference in franchise hall of Fame to the MLB

[@Huntrace87]

I would say now definitely. He's one of the main reasons we turned this team around again! His leadership alone they say is unmatched. He's supposedly a great guy also. He's a mvp silver slugger Roberto clemente award winner! Till he's done, I would say he's definitely worthy..

[@joshlaguardia6568]

i think if he was healthy the past 5 years and did a little more

[@Spinach_D]

Comparing Cutch to non HoFers does help his case to make the HoF

[@ericpantalone5229]

Really, go look at all the outfielders on baseball reference who aren't in..Andrew Jones has 10 gold gloves. Dwight Evans like 8 with similar OPS numbers and way more WAR. It actually hurts his case.

[@makaveli89cm77]

@@ericpantalone5229 notice how he changed the 7 year peak standard to 6 years with all those guys constantlly losering the standard

[@samthompson7821]

he deserves it going to games in pittsburgh through 2012-2015 was electric and other than that im surprised posey ain't in it tbh i thought he was already

[@CaahMoneyPlayboy]

Not eligible til 2027

[@lebronjameslol3521]

Posey is first ballot HOFer not sure why he is in the conversation as he isnt eligible yet

[@draneym2003]

And yet Jeter, with zero MVPs is the GOAT, all on team accomplishments. The Hall is broken.

[@SquashMelendez]

Had the numbers to get in

[@Lennoxroadpoe]

Cutch isn’t done he got a good 4 years left his numbers will look better at the end

[@skylargalloway467]

should be HOF’er

[@brian5863]

I’d still like to see the Pirates win anything before calling anyone from that organization a Hall of Famer

[@johnhung8393]

Def a candidate

[@mattcox3373]

A very good player in his prime but definitely not a hall of famer

[@DCee93]

Nah the team was TERRIBLE and he was TERRIFIC. Godly numbers in his prime. Robbed by one of the greediest owners in sports. Def HOF

[@THEBaldEagle1]

He would have to play 4 more years...get to at least 2500 Hits and 350 HRs...to have a CHANCE (albeit an outside chance). Had he stayed a Leadoff Hitter? Then yep...definitely strong consideration for HOF. But the Bucs wanted him to be a HR hitter (when he is more of a doubles styles hitter who had blazing speed, years ago). And even when he was hitting in the middle of the lineup, he was never a big RBI guy. So his lack of RBIs and the 90 or more SBs that (batting middle order) he is lacking? Good player. Nice guy. NOT a Hall of Famer...at THIS point and time. However, McCutchen is only 36. IF he can stay Healthy and play 3 more years regularly and maybe 1 or 2 more (in his early 40s as a part timer?)...he may squeak in by wracking up some stats. Currently his most impressive Stat? Has been WALKS. Sure he got 2000 hits and will pass 300 HRs (hoo rah). But assuming he walks 50 more times this season? He will be top 100 all time in Bases on Balls. Play 3 more seasons? And he is easily "top 50" all time. That would help his case But he needs 500 more hits and at least 50 more HRs to even have a chance. Because Vada Pinson and AL Oliver and Dave Parker...he (Cutch) isn't. And until THEY are in? Cutch should not be

[@doncoder-channel]

Never forget this is the guy who says what Arraez is doing is not impressive because of some creepy obsession with analytics stats

[@DA-og4px]

Why has Brian Kenny been pushing these very good but not elite players for the HOF so much lately? Four or five years of excellent (or ‘peak’) stats isn’t enough for the Hall of Fame, in my opinion. 10 seasons or more of all-star calibre play should be the standard.

[@ericpantalone5229]

Agreed. I'm losing interest in Kenny for this reason...

[@advogadousajhonatasporcide946]

I think it’s just discussion. For content. Don’t know if he actually thinks he’s hof

[@wesfry03]

Imo there’s a difference between 5 years of being great and 5 being perhaps the best player in your league/mlb which Kenny brought up. He played some inspiring baseball man

[@ericpantalone5229]

@@wesfry03Mattingly, Johann Santana, and many others can make that argument....none of them were even close to getting enough votes. Mattingly has like 9 gold gloves, Mvp, batting titles etc.

[@sethkinslow674]

Pirates fan here-cutch is not a Hall of famer. A pirates Hall of famer but not cooperstown

[@hughjass69702]

Almost hof

[@AtillatheHun]

Edmonds deserves to be in the HoF over Cutch, he is great, but not a Hall of Famer

[@gabrielv.2647]

Exactly! Way better numbers and he was hitting behind pujols for a reason.

[@ericpantalone5229]

Brian - stop trying to fill time by calling good players hall of famers. It was a tiny peak bookended by mediocrity. 50 WAR ISNT the bar. Give it a rest.

[@kenosabi]

5 time All Star, NL mvp, 4 time silver slugger, golden glove winner, and his fellow players voted him most outstanding twice. To top it off since the HOF cares about it so much -- he's never had a scandal, said some dumb sht on twitter, been arrested, etc. He's an all around solid player and has been valued where ever he's gone. He's also not some cocky sht head as a bonus. His 2000th hit? There's currently only 4 active players to have reached the milestone. Your underselling him my guy.

[@ericpantalone5229]

@@kenosabi You made a list that I can make with 20 other guys who aren't in. Hes not getting in ....5 time Allstar ? Lol. That isn't a lot of all star appearances for a HOFer..one MVP? There are guys with multiple MVPs and Cy Youngs who aren't in. 2000 hits? Thats nothing in terms of meaning anything for HOF. And one gold glove. Andrew Jones has 10 and is not in. Sorry, but not happening. There's always a fan who wants their guys in but its not even close. His career OPS is 243rd all time lol. Come on man...

[@ericpantalone5229]

@@kenosabi And baseball ref.bWar/JAWS has 13 centerfielders ahead of him who aren't even in the hall.

[@TheJustusLeague98]

@@ericpantalone5229does yadi deserve a spot in the hall ?

[@ericpantalone5229]

@@TheJustusLeague98 Yes, I believe he does. I'm not a Cards fan. But catchers are different and he has so many gold gloves and rings. It may not be first ballot but it could be.

[@tava7886]

How bout Albert Belle? Impressive how you all have lowered your standards for the HOF. You kidding me, Andrew McCutchen! 🤦🏽‍♂️

[@Nammm37]

Belle was a beast! Too bad he wasnt a media darling. Brian Kenny loves simping over MLB players with less than a handful of prime years.

[@Cutmyline]

Mccutchen should get in solely because he was the ONLY reason the pirates made their first winning season in 21 years happen. Period. If you disagree, is what it is. He managed an incredibly impressive career and revived a dead franchise. I may be biased bc I’m from here, but he deserves it for what he did for me and thousands of other kids who watched him every day for years.

[@ericpantalone5229]

​​@@Cutmyline Hes not a Hall of Famer. The Pirates won nothing. He has one MVP. He has a short peak and was basically mediocre after 30. Its not a matter of opinion. He has no WAR to speak of OR any totals to speak of. He won't get in and it won't be close

[@tava7886]

@@Cutmyline I do disagree, and probably 99% of Hall of Fame voters probably will also disagree. Good guy don’t doubt it, but it is what it is 🤷🏽‍♂️

[@giovanni921]

Belle was an excellent hitter but retired at 33. He has around 10 less career WAR than McCutchen.

[@Dudeman9339]

What? No. He had an MVP year and has been “fine” ever since. No HOF room for Cutch, sorry.

[@johnnarke6748]

He was good. For 3 years. That's not HOF.

[@iPotatoTone]

Great player. His 3 year peak is like Chipper Jones. Only Chipper Jones was over 19 years

[@tato2493528]

im glad brian kenny doesn't vote for the HOF. Seems like the bar has been set much lower to get in, according to him

[@millennial9252]

Not a chance for the HOF

[@makaveli89cm77]

6 year peak i thought it was a seven year peak again lowering the standards

[@lilxtra6211]

Love cutch but he’s not a hall of famer

[@MrRJC1991]

There is no reason for him to be in the Hall of Famer.

[@KenMan-j1y]

White guy who hates Black excellence...yea that's u

[@samnewton9568]

He'll be off the ballot after his first year of eligibility

[@Dudeman9339]

Lmao no he wont

[@KenMan-j1y]

Racist much

[@kalebstuckey570]

Brian Kenny is a waste of space. How he keeps getting jobs is beyond me.

[@robertblackmore4919]

not a hof player...sadly the dumbed down game is starting to let below hof players get it.

[@dogmanandborisproductions]

He brought joy to Pittsburgh many iconic moments mvp gold gloves silver sluggers

[@kshunna]

Not a hall of famer. Sorry, he just isn’t. If Andruw Jones isn’t how in the world could you put McCutchin in?

[@dogmanandborisproductions]

“Mccutchen”

[@pcarnold9]

no way, love the guy he is not in!