The relationship between Andrew McCutchen and the Pittsburgh Pirates is at a crossroads, and it's a delicate situation that could have been handled better. But was this conflict inevitable?
The Pirates, to their credit, recognize their mistake. They admit they mishandled the situation with McCutchen, a former MVP and beloved franchise icon. But the question remains: could they have been more transparent with their intentions?
The Pirates, according to sources, considered telling McCutchen last season or during the previous offseason that 2025 would be his final year with the team. However, they feared his reaction, as he is a player of immense stature and pride. McCutchen's recent social media posts suggest he feels disrespected, indicating that ending a long-term partnership with a star player is a delicate dance.
McCutchen, a 39-year-old veteran, understands his limited leverage. He can't force the Pirates to re-sign him, especially after seven consecutive losing seasons, three of which occurred since his return. Yet, it's not his fault the team has been in a slump. The Pirates are actively trying to improve their offense this offseason, but McCutchen's feelings of being unwanted are understandable.
Here's the catch: McCutchen is not just any player. He's a legend in Pittsburgh, having led the team to playoff runs from 2013 to 2015, their only postseason appearances in over two decades. He's a resident of the city, a family man, and still a capable hitter and leader. Last season, his stats showed he was close to a league-average hitter, and his chase and walk rates were impressive.
The Pirates' indifference towards McCutchen is driving him crazy, and understandably so. Superstars often have an unwavering belief in their abilities, which can clash with others' perceptions as their careers wind down. And when communication falters, as it did here, things can get messy.
Owner Bob Nutting might step in and instruct GM Ben Cherington to re-sign McCutchen, fearing a public relations disaster if they lose a franchise legend. Nutting recently met with McCutchen, and the team hasn't ruled out his return. But there's a catch.
Nutting usually doesn't force Cherington's hand, and overruling him now would make the Pirates look dysfunctional. They're trying to build around the Cy Young Award winner Paul Skenes and top prospect Konnor Griffin. Even if McCutchen returns, his resentment might linger due to the initial rejection and the limited role he'd likely be offered.
A relationship spanning almost two decades deserves a better ending. The Pirates drafted McCutchen in 2005, developed him into a superstar, then traded him to San Francisco in 2018. He's since played for several teams before returning to Pittsburgh on three consecutive one-year deals, providing excellent value and PR for the club.
The Pirates usually signed McCutchen early in the offseason, intending to win with him and have him retire as a Pirate. But this winter, they've made it clear he's not a priority. They've traded for Brandon Lowe, signed Ryan O'Hearn, and pursued other free agents, including Eugenio Suárez, who chose the Reds over the Pirates due to their competitiveness.
The Pirates' estimated $95 million payroll is only slightly higher than last season, and they're still seeking another hitter. If they don't sign McCutchen, it will cast a shadow over their spring training. But was this all unavoidable?
The Pirates could have been more direct with McCutchen, making it clear they offered no guarantees beyond 2025. They considered this approach but feared confrontation. McCutchen might have resisted the idea of his career ending, just as he's pushing back against being limited to DH duty.
McCutchen believes he can still contribute, and he's not alone in that belief. The logical solution is for the Pirates to sign him to another one-year deal and announce that this will be his final season. With a potential lockout looming, McCutchen would likely agree. The Pirates could then give him a proper farewell tour.
If the Pirates don't want McCutchen, that's their choice. But it's hard to justify moving on when they haven't found a better replacement. And this is where it gets controversial: should the Pirates have handled this situation differently? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
