If you’re just getting into baseball and the MLB, when you think of the Pittsburgh Pirates, you likely think of one player: Paul Skenes, the sensational starting pitcher who’s won ROTY, a Cy Young, and been named to two All-Star Games in just two seasons.
But for years, the face of the franchise in Pittsburgh was center fielder Andrew McCutchen. He spent his first nine MLB seasons with the Bucs, winning an MVP and playing a key role in leading Pittsburgh to a string of playoff berths in the 2010s.
That was a long time ago, though. Since then, McCutchen has bounced around the league, playing for four different teams before returning to Pittsburgh in 2023. He’s also 12 years removed from that MVP campaign, so McCutchen, now 39 years old, is a far different player.
He’s currently a free agent, and there have been plenty of questions about what his future holds, but in my eyes, another one-year deal with the Pirates makes sense, and it’s what I believe will eventually happen.
PREDICTION
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Pittsburgh Pirates Will Bring Back Andrew McCutchen in 2026
McCutchen has already expressed interest in returning to the field in 2026, and while some may view another deal with the Pirates as nothing more than a decision driven by nostalgia, McCutchen can play a role in this team’s success.
Given his age and recent production, he’s not going to be an everyday outfielder or DH, but as a bench bat or platoon outfielder, there’s a role for McCutchen to play.
The Pirates need depth in the outfield, and McCutchen, who has more experience with the organization than anyone, can provide just that.
In terms of the impact he can make as a bench bat, his discipline at the plate and ability to get on base can prove to be beneficial for the Pirates in high-leverage spots.
Off the field, there’s also the simple fact that this roster is incredibly young, and with hopes to make a playoff push as soon as 2026, having a veteran leader would be wise.
Just about everyone who projects to be a part of the Pirates’ big league roster is less than 30 years old, and finding players with more than a half dozen years of experience at the MLB level is a rarity.
McCutchen’s return would give the clubhouse a real leader and someone who’s seen the Pirates achieve real success, at least relative to their recent standards.
Now, I’m not going to sit here and tell you that McCutchen is going to dramatically lift the Pirates’ outlook. He’s hardly played in the field in recent years, and his overall numbers at the plate are a far cry from what they used to be.
Still, considering the state of the roster and McCutchen’s lengthy history with the club, coming in to serve as a depth piece and voice in the clubhouse is something fans shouldn’t be shocked by.
Andrew McCutchen Stats
McCutchen’s numbers have slipped in what should be some of the final years of his career, but he’s still done enough at the plate to earn a spot on an MLB roster in 2026.
2025 Stats:
135 GP
0.1 WAR
.239 BA
.333 OPB
.367 SLG
13 HR
57 RBI