\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t![\"Andrew](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/McCutchen-1-1120x630.jpg\")
Pittsburgh Pirates’ Andrew McCutchen acknowledges the crowd after moving to third-most home runs in club history with his three-run home run during the fifth inning of a baseball game against the Miami Marlins, Wednesday, June 11, 2025, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo\/Matt Freed)\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n
It\u2019s been a busy offseason so far for the Pittsburgh Pirates but uncertainty remains around a possible reunion with Andrew McCutchen.<\/p>\n
McCutchen returned to the Pirates for the 2023 season and has spent the last three seasons in Pittsburgh for his second stint in the black and gold. <\/p>\n
The bulk of the Pirates\u2019 moves this offseason have been on offense, leaving questions as to whether or not McCutchen plays into the team\u2019s plans in 2026.<\/p>\n
McCutchen has said numerous times that he wants to win. For the first time in a long time, the Pirates are making a real effort to try and put a winning product on the field next season. But will McCutchen be part of that product?<\/p>\n
The Case For<\/p>\n
Let\u2019s start with the obvious. McCutchen is a fan favorite and no Pirate has been more popular in the 21st century and that includes Cy Young winner Paul Skenes, who is perhaps the best pitcher in baseball.<\/p>\n
The last time the Pirates were in the playoffs? McCutchen was the captain of the ship and arguably the face of baseball. He won National League MVP in 2013<\/a> when the Pirates snapped their infamous losing streak and were one game away from the NLCS. He then led Pittsburgh to two more postseasons including an 98-win season in 2015.<\/p>\n During his second stint in Pittsburgh, McCutchen has proven he can still be a productive player. In 367 games the past three seasons, the 39-year-old has a 59 doubles, 45 home runs, 120 RBI and a 104 OPS+. Though he had a career-worst .700 OPS last season, he had a .267 batting average and a .734 OPS against left-handed pitching.<\/p>\n And with the Pirates\u2019 two most notable additions this offseason being two lefty bats \u2014 Brandon Lowe and Ryan O\u2019Hearn, though the latter hits lefties well \u2014 Pittsburgh could use at least one more right-handed hitter.<\/p>\n Then of course, McCutchen\u2019s veteran presence has been beneficial to a relatively inexperienced roster. Nobody in the clubhouse knows better than McCutchen knows what it\u2019s like to win in Pittsburgh. <\/p>\n The Case Against<\/p>\n If the Pirates are looking at this from a strictly on-field perspective, thaen they could, and already have, found more impactful alternatives than the veteran McCutchen.<\/p>\n McCutchen has been trending down since his return to Pittsburgh and will be 40 years old if the Pirates make it into October. Though he has played some right field since returning, the former Gold Glove winner is viewed almost exclusively as a designated hitter at this stage of his career. <\/p>\n It could be hard to justify using a roster spot on an aging player who might not be able to play the field. And after adding O\u2019Hearn, McCutchen can\u2019t be the full-time DH. <\/p>\n Plus, by their standards, the Pirates have already spent big this offseason and still have needs to fill. They could use a third baseman, a veteran starting pitcher and another leverage option in the bullpen. <\/p>\n The Verdict<\/p>\n It\u2019s a tough decision for general manager Ben Cherington. Ultimately, I\u2019d say bring McCutchen back if he\u2019s willing to accept a lesser role as a part-time DH who could play the outfield in a pinch. And perhaps for a little less than the $5 million he\u2019s earned each of the last three seasons. <\/p>\n McCutchen would provide the Pirates with a needed right-handed bat who could give them flexibility against southpaws. He would be relatively inexpensive and would be a good complement to some left-handed hitters in the starting lineup. It\u2019s not like the current bench is that impressive.<\/p>\n McCutchen wants to win. Ideally, he wants to do that in Pittsburgh. The Pirates look to be going for it, and what a story it would be to get back to the postseason for the first time in over a decade with McCutchen on the roster. He would still have a purpose, though in a diminished capacity. <\/p>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tMentioned in this article: Pittsburgh Pirates<\/a> <\/p>\n