PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Pirates and Andrew McCutchen are still at odds at this point of the offseason, an undesirable position for players on the team and fans of the ballclub.
McCutchen is one of the best players in franchise history and has spent the past three seasons with the team, 2023-25, marking his second stint with the Pirates, after originally starring from 2009-17.
He is 39 years old heading into this season and there are concerns if he fits into the current roster construction for the Pirates and if he has a role.
One player that just joined the Pirates this winter has made his feelings known about McCutchen and a potential return for the 2026 campaign.
Ryan O’Hearn Wants McCutchen Back on Pirates
The Pirates signed free agent Ryan O’Hearn this offseason on a two-year, $29 million deal, a move they normally don’t make.
O’Hearn is the Pirates’ first multi-year free agent signing since right-handed starting pitcher Iván Nova for three years, $27 million on Dec. 27, 2016. He is also the first Pirates first multi-year free agent position player signing since outfielder John Jaso for two years, $8 million on Dec. 23, 2015.