Pirates fall to Cubs 3-2 on June 13, but Andrew McCutchen makes history, passing Roberto Clemente for 3rd on the team's all-time home run list. Recap.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
Some moments transcend a single game's box score. Even as the Pirates absorbed a tough 3-2 loss to the Cubs on Friday, the bigger story this week belongs to a franchise icon. Andrew McCutchen has officially surpassed the legendary Roberto Clemente for third place on the Pirates' all-time home run list, a milestone that cements his legacy in black and gold and gives fans a reason to celebrate amidst the daily grind of the season.
With his 241st home run as a Pirate, Andrew McCutchen now trails only Willie Stargell (475) and Ralph Kiner (301) in franchise history.
It's a moment that feels destined. Earlier this week, Andrew McCutchen launched his 241st career home run as a Pirate, moving him past the immortal Roberto Clemente. The one-year, $5 million deal he signed this offseason is looking like one of the most meaningful investments in recent memory, allowing the fan-favorite to continue his climb up the franchise leaderboards. With his place in the Pirates Hall of Fame all but guaranteed, this latest achievement only strengthens the case for his eventual consideration for Cooperstown. It’s a powerful reminder of Cutch’s impact on this city and organization.
Unfortunately, the good vibes from Cutch's milestone couldn't carry the team to victory on Friday. In a classic pitcher's duel at Wrigley Field, starter Andrew Heaney was solid, delivering 6.0 innings with 7 strikeouts, but three earned runs were enough to saddle him with the 3-2 loss. The Pirates' offense was stifled by former Buc Jameson Taillon until the 7th, when they loaded the bases and scratched across two runs, one via a bases-loaded walk by Jared Triolo. The comeback stalled there, however, ending a frustrating night. On the bright side, Matthew Gorski continues his torrid pace, leading the team with a .429 average, and Keiner Delgado posted a perfect night at the plate.
Looking ahead, Pittsburgh should have plenty to cheer for when the All-Star Game rolls into Atlanta. Phenom Paul Skenes and shortstop sensation Oneil Cruz are widely considered locks to represent the Pirates, showcasing the team's top-tier talent. Don't sleep on Bailey Falter, either. After posting a microscopic 0.76 ERA in May—the lowest for a Pirate pitcher in a single month since 1920—he's building a compelling case to join them. If he keeps this up, the Pirates could be sending a trio of deserving players to the midsummer classic.
The future continues to be built on pitching. The Pirates' farm system is loaded with high-ceiling arms, led by Bubba Chandler, who is arguably the best pitching prospect in all of baseball yet to make his MLB debut. He's joined by other promising talents like Braxton Ashcraft and Thomas Harrington. In the lower levels, Konnor Griffin is flashing electric potential. The one lingering concern remains the lack of advanced, impactful bats in the upper minors, a puzzle the front office still needs to solve to sustain long-term success.
It's a classic tale of two stories for the 2025 Pirates: moments of historic achievement and individual brilliance set against the backdrop of tight, frustrating losses. As Cutch etches his name next to Stargell and Kiner, and as Skenes and Cruz prepare for the national spotlight, the team must find a way to turn those individual highlights into consistent wins. The series against the Cubs continues this weekend, offering an immediate chance to bounce back and prove that this team's future is as bright as its brightest stars.
