McCutchen Expresses Frustration Amidst Unsigned Status, PiratesFest Absence
Andrew McCutchen, a veteran presence and franchise icon, recently took to social media to voice his frustration regarding his current unsigned status and absence from PiratesFest. His comments highlight a potential dilemma for the Pittsburgh Pirates as they navigate roster decisions ahead of the upcoming season.
A Veteran's Plea: McCutchen's Social Media Message
McCutchen questioned if other long-standing veteran players, such as Albert Pujols, Adam Wainwright, Yadier Molina, Clayton Kershaw, or Miguel Cabrera, faced similar situations with their respective teams.
"He questioned if other veteran players like Albert Pujols, Adam Wainwright, Yadier Molina, Clayton Kershaw, or Miguel Cabrera faced similar situations with their respective teams."
He further indicated that if the upcoming season were to be his last, he would have greatly appreciated a final opportunity to engage with fans as a player.
"McCutchen indicated that if the upcoming season were his last, he would have appreciated a final opportunity to engage with fans as a player."
Addressing Defensive Concerns
On January 19, McCutchen previously addressed concerns about his defensive capabilities. He clarified that he has not been frequently asked to play in the outfield, and his limited outfield appearances in 2025 were, in fact, at his own suggestion. Defensive metrics appear to support his stance, showing positive ratings for his seven games in the outfield last year, according to Outs Above Average (OAA). Since transitioning to a primary Designated Hitter (DH) role in 2022, he holds a cumulative +2 OAA.
Market Landscape and McCutchen's Desire
Last August, McCutchen had openly expressed a desire to return for another season with the Pirates, acknowledging his performance during the 2025 season. Despite his wish, reports indicate limited market interest for the player, who will be 39, with the Pirates considered his primary potential destination.
Pirates' Perspective: Cherington on Roster Construction
During PiratesFest, General Manager Ben Cherington spoke on the situation, stating that the club is still in the process of assembling its roster before finalizing McCutchen's role. Cherington underscored the team's commitment to building a competitive roster focused on winning games, while also expressing a desire to maintain a strong relationship with McCutchen.
"Cherington emphasized the team's commitment to building a competitive roster focused on winning games, while also expressing a desire to maintain a strong relationship with McCutchen."
He assured that the team would continue direct communication as the roster takes shape.
Evaluating 2025 Performance
In the 2025 season, McCutchen posted a .239/.333/.367 batting line with 13 home runs over 551 plate appearances. This resulted in a 95 wRC+ (weighted Runs Created Plus), which is slightly below league average. Most of his Statcast metrics were average, with the notable exception of a strong 12.2% walk rate. As a Designated Hitter, these offensive numbers are generally considered less than optimal.
Roster Optimization and the DH Position
The Pirates have recently signed Ryan O’Hearn, who is expected to share first base and DH duties with Spencer Horwitz, seemingly addressing the DH position. O'Hearn also offers versatility in the corner outfield. Given that both O'Hearn and Horwitz are left-handed hitters, there might be a partial role for McCutchen as a right-handed bat, potentially limited to facing left-handed pitching. Cherington's comments implied that roster decisions prioritize improving the team, potentially favoring younger, more versatile players over McCutchen.
Improving the offense is clearly the club's main goal this winter. Additions like O’Hearn, Brandon Lowe, Jhostynxon Garcia, and Jake Mangum are intended to enhance offensive potential. Despite McCutchen's 2025 numbers, his 95 wRC+ ranked fourth among all Pirates hitters, starkly highlighting the team's overall offensive challenges.
"Despite McCutchen's 2025 numbers, his 95 wRC+ ranked fourth among all Pirates hitters, highlighting the team's overall offensive challenges."
The Franchise Icon Dilemma
The Pirates face a challenging dilemma: balancing the role of a franchise icon with the strategic optimization of their roster. McCutchen returned to the Pirates in 2023 with a stated desire to be part of a winning era. While previous one-year deals between McCutchen and the Pirates were typically signed earlier in the offseason, time still remains before Spring Training for a potential agreement to be reached.