Pittsburgh Pirates right fielder Andrew McCutchen keeps climbing the franchise's career home runs list, one of few highlights in another forgettable season for the club.

On Wednesday, at home against the Miami Marlins, McCutchen crushed an 88 mph splitter from Marlins starting pitcher Cal Quantrill into left-center field for a three-run home run. On the 405-foot moonshot, he passed Roberto Clemente for the franchise's third-most home runs (241 in 1,638 games). Clemente played 2,433 games for the Pirates. 

"I'm more excited about the win than [the home run], because I could've done it and lost and I would've been like 'Alright, cool,'" McCutchen said after the 5-2 victory, via MLB.com's Will Aldrich. "To get the win and do it, you know, definitely helps appreciate it a little more." 

Unlike Clemente, McCutchen hasn't starred for many winning clubs in 12 seasons with the Pirates. (The 17-year veteran has also played for the New York Yankees, San Francisco Giants, Philadelphia Phillies and Milwaukee Brewers.) 

The Pirates haven't won a World Series or even a playoff series with McCutchen. Pittsburgh is 28-41 this season and may miss the postseason for a 10th consecutive season. 

Clemente — a Baseball Hall of Famer — played for the Pirates from 1955-72. During this span, Pittsburgh won two World Series titles. When he won the 1971 World Series MVP, the former right fielder slashed .414/.452/.759 in seven games against the Baltimore Orioles, lifting the Pirates to the title.

The Pirates' ineptitude has prevented McCutchen from delivering a signature moment in the postseason, hurting his HOF case. 

McCutchen has won a National League MVP and a Gold Glove and made five All-Star Games, a solid résumé, but some may not consider it HOF-worthy. Former outfielder Torii Hunter made five All-Star Games and won nine Gold Gloves in 19 seasons with the Minnesota Twins, Los Angeles Angels and Detroit Tigers but isn't in Cooperstown. 

McCutchen has had a fantastic career, but it's fair to ask if it would be more celebrated if the Pirates were a perennial contender.