Pirates GM Hints at Future Role for McCutchen

Cherington says team will 'never shut the door' on bringing back longtime star

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Pittsburgh Pirates general manager Ben Cherington said the team will always consider a potential future role for longtime franchise cornerstone Andrew McCutchen, even if he is not on the 2026 roster. Cherington's comments came after the team reached a one-year deal with veteran slugger Marcell Ozuna.

Why it matters

McCutchen was a beloved figure in Pittsburgh during his 9-year tenure with the Pirates, making 5 All-Star teams and winning the 2013 NL MVP award. His departure in 2018 was seen as the end of an era for the Pirates, so the possibility of a reunion down the line could be meaningful for the team and its fans.

The details

The Pirates signed Ozuna to a one-year contract on Monday, adding a proven power bat to their lineup. However, Cherington emphasized that the team will 'never shut the door' on potentially finding a future role for McCutchen, who is currently a free agent after spending the 2025 season with the San Francisco Giants.

  • On Monday, the Pirates reached an agreement with Marcell Ozuna on a one-year contract.
  • Cherington made his comments about McCutchen on Tuesday.

The players

Ben Cherington

The general manager of the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Andrew McCutchen

A longtime cornerstone of the Pirates franchise, having made 5 All-Star teams and won the 2013 NL MVP award during his 9-year tenure in Pittsburgh.

Marcell Ozuna

A veteran slugger who the Pirates signed to a one-year contract on Monday.

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What they’re saying

“We will never shut the door on potentially finding a role for Andrew McCutchen.”

— Ben Cherington, Pittsburgh Pirates General Manager

What’s next

The Pirates will continue to evaluate their roster and potential future roles for McCutchen as the 2026 season approaches.

The takeaway

Despite McCutchen's departure from the Pirates in 2018, the team's willingness to consider bringing him back in some capacity shows the lasting impact he had on the franchise and its fans during his prime years in Pittsburgh.