Andrew McCutchen Makes Feelings Clear to Pirates

How Did the Pirates and McCutchen Get to This Point

McCutchen returned back to the Pirates in 2023 and played the past three seasons with the team as their starting designated hitter, signing a one-year, $5 million deal.

The Pirates haven't brought back McCutchen this offseason, but have made additions to their lineup, like Ozuna, that should give them a better chance of competing for the playoffs.

This includes, second Baseman Brandon Lowe, who came in the trade with the Tampa Bay Rays, plus free agent signing Ryan O'Hearn.

Both players can both serve as designated hitters. So too can outfielders in Oneil Cruz and Bryan Reynolds and first baseman Spencer Horwitz.

McCutchen, who was a Gold Glove award winner in his first stint in center field with the Pirates, has played just 20 games in the outfield the past three seasons.

The Pirates choosing to go with Ozuna, who also hasn't played the outfield the past three seasons, shows their commitment to a different option at designated hitter.

With these decisions, the Pirates will look elsewhere for other options, such as third base and outfield.

McCutchen Using Social Media to Discuss Pirates

This offseason isn't one where McCutchen has been quiet on social media, as he's spoken on different things throughout and made his feelings known.

McCutchen hinted at wanting to play with the Pirates this season back on Jan. 17 and hit back at those who think he can't play in the outfield, saying that he not only can do so, but is willing to get back to fielding.

He also spoke on his disappointment about not getting a chance to go to PiratesFest on Jan. 24 and looked at how other franchises treated their team legends.

Pirates general manager Ben Cherington addressed a potential return for McCutchen during the Q&A at PiratesFest, wanting to keep a good relationship with him, but that they were looking at the best options for 2026.

McCutchen reportedly met with Pirates owner Bob Nutting, who has the ultimate say on bringing him back or not.

The Pirates haven't decided to bring McCutchen back, yet at least, and McCutchen has posted him working out and taking batting practice on his Twitter, showing he can still play at 39 years old in 2026.