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Andrew McCutchen Potentially Joining Pirates at Spring Training
The Pittsburgh Pirates legend may join the team down in Bradenton.
Published on Feb. 27, 2026
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The Pittsburgh Pirates are in the midst of Spring Training and may be getting a visit from one of their best ever players, Andrew McCutchen. A source reported that McCutchen is on a flight to Bradenton, Florida, where the Pirates' Spring Training headquarters are located. McCutchen previously played for the Pirates from 2009-2017, earning five straight All-Star selections, the 2013 National League MVP, a Gold Glove, and four Silver Slugger Awards. The Pirates haven't re-signed McCutchen yet, who is 39 years old and heading into his 18th MLB season.
Why it matters
McCutchen's potential return to the Pirates would be a significant move, as he was one of the franchise's all-time great players during his first stint with the team. His addition could provide a boost to the Pirates' lineup and roster as they look to compete this season.
The details
The Pirates have instead prioritized signing free agents Ryan O'Hearn and Marcell Ozuna, who will likely fill the roles previously occupied by McCutchen. However, McCutchen has signaled his desire to continue playing and contribute to a winning team, so a reunion with the Pirates could be mutually beneficial.
- On February 27, 2026, a source reported that McCutchen is on a flight to Bradenton, Florida, where the Pirates' Spring Training facility is located.
The players
Andrew McCutchen
A 39-year-old MLB veteran who previously played for the Pittsburgh Pirates from 2009-2017, earning five straight All-Star selections, the 2013 National League MVP, a Gold Glove, and four Silver Slugger Awards.
Ryan O'Hearn
A free agent signed by the Pirates to a two-year, $29 million contract, likely to fill a role previously occupied by McCutchen.
Marcell Ozuna
A free agent signed by the Pirates to a one-year, $12 million contract with a $16 million mutual option for 2027, likely to fill a role previously occupied by McCutchen.
What they’re saying
“Andrew McCutchen is on my flight right now to Bradenton.”
— Mark Kaboly, Reporter (Twitter)
What’s next
The Pirates will need to decide whether to re-sign McCutchen and add him to their Spring Training roster.
The takeaway
McCutchen's potential return to the Pirates would be a feel-good story, as he was one of the franchise's all-time greats during his first stint with the team. His addition could provide a boost to the Pirates' lineup and roster as they look to compete this season.
