Facing old team, J-Hay has fond memories of Bucs

BRADENTON -- When Andrew McCutchen reunited with the Pirates this offseason, Josh Harrison began receiving an influx of texts and tweets. People wanted to know if Harrison would be the next former Pirate to return to Pittsburgh.

“I got my fair share of tweets and texts,” Harrison laughed after chatting with McCutchen pregame. “I pretty much said, ‘You never know.’ I don’t rule anything out. It didn’t happen, but that doesn’t mean that we can’t cross paths. I’m excited to still strap it up and compete.”

There’s no shortage of Pirates fans who would love to see J-Hay have one more run with the black and gold.

A core member of the Pirates’ playoff teams in 2013, ’14 and ’15, Harrison earned two All-Star nods and provided invaluable defensive versatility, spending time all across the infield and outfield. In 2014, Harrison placed ninth in NL MVP voting, hitting .315/.347/.490 with 13 home runs and 18 stolen bases, while spending time at six positions.

For Harrison, Monday’s game against the Pirates was a bit of a homecoming, as well. It was the first time he’d been to LECOM Park since 2018, his final season with the Pirates.

“It’s a little different,” Harrison said. “This is my first time in the visiting locker room. The only time I was in the visiting dugout was when we did intrasquad, and some of us had to split up. It’s a little different being on the other side, but it’s part of baseball. Year in and year out, rosters are going to change. I consider it a blessing, man. I’m still here playing. ... It’s always good to come back to the place where you started.”

Harrison has suited up for several different teams over the last four seasons, spending time with the Tigers (2019), Nationals ('20 and '21), A’s ('21) and White Sox ('22), but has yet to play in Pittsburgh as a visitor. When the Phillies visit PNC Park in late July, Harrison finally has that opportunity.

Harrison observed the joy that McCutchen exuded upon signing a one-year deal with the Pirates this offseason. Harrison discussed his excitement, reminiscing about the years the two shared in Pittsburgh. McCutchen may have spent time with the Giants, Yankees, Phillies and Brewers, but when Harrison thinks of McCutchen, his mind will always drift to his years in the Steel City.

“Think about everything he’s been through. Even in Pittsburgh, just in general,” Harrison said. “When you leave a place, you never know if you’re going to get to come back or when the next time you are going to come back. Here I am; my last year [in Pittsburgh] was 2018. This is my first time at LECOM Park since the last game of Spring Training.

"So, for him to be able to come back and do that at a place that’s home for him, I don’t think that’s anything anybody would take lightly. Things come full circle.”