In Photos: Pirates' Andrew McCutchen & wife Maria spread Thanksgiving joy by donating 2,000 meals to families in need

Although he may not be the offensive juggernaut that he once was, Andrew McCutchen is as close to an institution as one can get in Steeltown sports. To mark Thanksgiving, the outfielder decided to give back to those less fortunate than himself.

On Thursday, the Pirates outfielder teamed up with Yinzgiving, a Pittsburgh-area event that seeks to help families in need around the festive season. McCutchen was one of more than 180 volunteers who helped provide over 2,000 Thanksgiving meals to people around Pittsburgh. Cutch was joined by his wife, Maria, who posted some images of the event on her Instagram.

Maria McCutchen showing some images of her and her family chipping in for Yinzgiving

Although this is McCutchen's first time participating in the Yinzgiving program, the 38 year-old veteran has long been a purveyor of philanthropy. Over his time with the Pittsburgh Pirates organization, McCutchen has done charitable work with several organizations, including UPMC Children's Hospital, Light of Life Mission, and Habitat for Humanity.

Born and raised in Florida, McCutchen was selected by the Pirates in the first round of the 2005 draft. After making his MLB debut four years later, it did not take long to become clear that the Pirates had a franchise player on their hands.

In 2013, McCutchen led the NL in WAR, and hit .317/.404/.508 with 21 home runs and 84 RBIs to win the NL MVP Award.

"When Andrew McCutchen being welcomed back to PNC Park in Pittsburgh in 2023." - Baseball's Greatest Moments

In early 2018, McCutchen's decade-long tenure with the Pirates came to an end as a result of a trade to the San Francisco Giants. Over the next four seasons, McCutchen would play with a variety of clubs including the Brewers, Phillies and New York Yankees. However, ahead of the 2023 season, Cutch signed a deal with Pittsburgh, bringing his career back to where it began.

Andrew McCutchen thrilled to be part of Thanksgiving

Although the veteran has given no solid indications about whether or not he plans to return in 2025, McCutchen was very content to be part of the Yinzgiving drive. As the outfielder told TribLive about the event:

“It means a lot that we’re able to participate in something like this, it’s giving; it’s helping; it’s being a part of something that’s greater than yourself.”

Widely beloved for his play in the black and yellow, McCutchen's devotion to those in need gives fans even more reasons to hope he comes back next year.