Pirates Admit Mistakes With Andrew McCutchen Contract Situation

He also posted after PiratesFest at the David L. Lawernce Convention Center in Downtown Pittsburgh on Jan. 24 that he wanted to be there for the fans, felt slighted for it and desires a chance to play baseball in 2026.

Rosenthal spoke to people in the Pirates organization and they told him that they considered making their intentions known to McCutchen that they could guarantee anything past last season, but decided against that.

"The Pirates screwed up," Rosenthal wrote. "They know they screwed up, according to multiple people in the organization who were granted anonymity for their candor."

Why the Pirates and McCutchen Are at Odds

McCutchen has served as the Pirates starting designated hitter during this recent stint with the team.

He has had a solid tenure in his return with the Pirates, not nearly as good as his 2011-15 prime, but has produced from the plate and given fans something to cheer about during tough moments.

The Pirates have made offseason additions to their lineup, with the likes of power-hitting left-handed bats in second baseman Brandon Lowe in a trade from the Tampa Bay Rays and free agent Ryan O'Hearn, who should thrive at PNC Park.

Both Lowe and O'Hearn can serve as designated hitter, plus the Pirates have internal options in returning players like Spencer Horwitz, center fielder Oneil Cruz, right fielder Bryan Reynolds and catcher Joey Bart.

Pirates general manager Ben Cherington spoke about McCutchen during the Q&A session at PiratesFest, but his answer lacked a clear decision, speaking instead about the relationship with him and that they have other work to do this offseason.

Does McCutchen Have Role with Pirates in 2026?

The Pirates have clearly had one of the best offseasons they've had in recent memory, as they've filled important roster needs and added depth.

This includes the likes of outfielders in Jake Mangum, an older rookie who made his debut in 2025, plus former top 100 prospect Jhostynxon García, both in the trade from the Rays and a trade with the Boston Red Sox, respectively.

These additions, plus Lowe and O'Hearn, give the Pirates a better lineup than they've had the past three seasons and hope from Pirates fans that they may end their long absence from the postseason.

McCutchen doesn't have a defined role in this Pirates team for next season, as there are already players that can fill the designated hitter role on the team and his lack of playing time in the outfield.

The Pirates do have an opening in left field, but McCutchen hasn't featured there since he returned, playing almost all of his 20 games in right field.

McCutchen is a right-handed bat, something the Pirates could use with how many left-handed bats they currently have in their lineup, and has put up solid numbers in his second stint with the team.

A 26-man roster gives the Pirates just 13 position players, with eight starters and five depth pieces, or four after the backup catcher.

Rosenthal reported that McCutchen met with Pirates owner Bob Nutting, who previously stated that the franchise star could stay with them for as long as he likes

Nutting is the ultimate person that will decide if McCutchen returns in 2026 and while there isn't a clear role for McCutchen, he may see his value with the team as important and also knowing how much the fans care about the Pirates legend.