Cleveland Guardians’ José Ramírez (Image via AP Photo) As of February 2026, Andrew McCutchen has not signed with the Cleveland Guardians. There is no trade and no agreement in place. He is still a free agent. The connection between McCutchen and Cleveland comes from projections and offseason speculation, not from any official announcement.The idea has gained attention because it makes practical sense. Cleveland needs experienced hitting, and McCutchen has said he wants to keep playing. If both sides agree on a short contract and a defined role, a deal would be straightforward.
Why this would be a signing, not a trade
Andrew McCutchen’s one-year, $5 million contract with the Pittsburgh Pirates ended after the 2025 season. Because of that, he can sign with any team without compensation.If Cleveland Guardians moves forward, the contract would likely be for one year in the $2–4 million range, possibly with incentives tied to plate appearances or health. He would project as the designated hitter and could make occasional starts in left or right field.
Projected roster fit in Cleveland Guardians
Cleveland’s projected roster remains young. • Outfield: Steven Kwan, Nolan Jones, George Valera, with David Fry as depth. • First base/DH: Kyle Manzardo and C.J. Kayfus, with Kayfus expected to see DH at-bats.Signing McCutchen would likely push Kayfus into more of a platoon role and give manager Stephen Vogt a right-handed hitter to balance a lineup that leans left-handed.
Why the move could help each side
Cleveland Guardians
Andrew McCutchen hit .239/.333/.367 with 13 home runs and 57 RBIs in 2025. That production is modest but steady for a player entering his age-39 season. He has historically handled right-handed pitching well, which would complement Cleveland’s lineup.He would also add experience to a group built around Bo Naylor, Steven Kwan, Nolan Jones, George Valera, and C.J. Kayfus. The financial risk would be limited because the deal would almost certainly be short-term.
Andrew McCutchen
McCutchen has said he wants to play in 2026 and has expressed frustration about limited communication from Pittsburgh Pirates’ front office. With Marcell Ozuna expected to fill the DH role there, opportunities appear limited.Cleveland could offer the same type of usage McCutchen has had in recent seasons – mostly DH with limited time in the field.
Pittsburgh Pirates
Letting McCutchen walk would create roster space and payroll flexibility while keeping the focus on younger players. Team leadership has also indicated the organization is open to working with him again in some capacity after his playing career.
Pros and cons of a potential signing
Pittsburgh Pirates Andrew McCutchen (Image via USA TODAY Sports)
Pros for Cleveland Guardians
• Adds a right-handed bat for DH and occasional outfield work • Brings experience to a young clubhouse • Requires only a short financial commitment
Cons for Cleveland
• Age and injury risk, including recent Achilles issues • Could reduce opportunities for younger hitters • Power production is no longer at peak levels
Pros for McCutchen
• Opportunity to extend his career • Chance to join a competitive rosterCons for McCutchen • Likely a reduced role • Performance decline could affect how his late career is viewed
2025 offensive production comparison
PlayerAge (2026)BA / OBP / SLGHRRBINotes Andrew McCutchen 39 .239 / .333 / .367 13 57 Primarily DH, right-handed bat. C.J. Kayfus (1B/DH) 24 .248 / .318 / .408 9 37 Young left-handed bat, projected DH/1B. Nolan Jones (OF) 27 .236 / .332 / .402 15 56 Left-handed bat, plays LF/RF. Steven Kwan (OF) 28 .257 / .343 / .325 4 44 Contact-oriented hitter.McCutchen’s numbers are similar to Cleveland’s current DH options but provide more right-handed power.
Career performance vs. right-handed pitching
PlayerCareer BA vs RHPCareer HR vs RHP (approx)Notes Andrew McCutchen ~.275 ~230+ Consistent production vs. righties. Nolan Jones ~.245 ~30+ Pull-power profile. C.J. Kayfus Limited MLB data <10 Still developing.These splits help explain why he could fit as a platoon option against right-handed starters.
Age, experience, and roster balance
Andrew McCutchen turns 39 in October 2026 and has played 17 MLB seasons, including 12 with Pittsburgh. He is a five-time All-Star and the 2013 National League MVP.Cleveland Guardians’ projected lineup is younger: Bo Naylor (25), George Valera (25), Kyle Manzardo (25), C.J. Kayfus (24), Nolan Jones (27), and Steven Kwan (28). Aside from Jose Ramirez (33) and reliever Shawn Armstrong (35), the roster has few older players. McCutchen would add experience without needing to play every day.Also read: MLB trade rumors: San Diego Padres consider 15 million San Francisco Giants star to address rotation depth before 2026 season
Current status
McCutchen remains unsigned. Nothing has been finalized between him and Cleveland. The possibility is reasonable but unresolved, and any deal would depend on Cleveland’s willingness to spend modestly and McCutchen’s interest in leaving Pittsburgh for a new situation.