Braves Urged to Sign Veteran Outfielder Andrew McCutchen

39-year-old former MVP, 4-time Silver Slugger, 5X All-Star, and Gold Glover could provide veteran leadership and depth to Atlanta's outfield.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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The Atlanta Braves are gearing up for the 2026 MLB season and are reportedly exploring the possibility of signing veteran outfielder Andrew McCutchen to add depth and veteran leadership to their roster. McCutchen, a 39-year-old former MVP, 4-time Silver Slugger, 5-time All-Star, and Gold Glover, could serve as a backup outfielder and mentor to the team's younger players.

Why it matters

The Braves have had a strong offseason, re-signing key players and acquiring veteran outfielder Mike Yastrzemski. Adding McCutchen could further solidify their outfield depth and provide valuable veteran leadership in the clubhouse as the team aims to make a deep playoff run.

The details

The Braves are reportedly looking to add a veteran starting pitcher with playoff experience, and McCutchen could be a cost-effective option to provide outfield depth and leadership. While he may not see significant playing time, his experience and mentorship could be valuable for the Braves' younger players.

  • The Braves are gearing up for Spring Training in 2026.

The players

Andrew McCutchen

A 39-year-old former MLB MVP, 4-time Silver Slugger, 5-time All-Star, and Gold Glover who is nearing the end of his career.

Alex Anthopoulos

The general manager of the Atlanta Braves.

Mike Yastrzemski

A 35-year-old outfielder who the Braves acquired in the offseason to help solidify their outfield.

Grant McAuley

A reporter who covers the Atlanta Braves.

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What they’re saying

“We've explored the starting rotation, adding and getting some type of starter, whether that's a trade or signing. We'd like for it to be someone impactful, someone we think can start a playoff game.”

— Alex Anthopoulos, General Manager, Atlanta Braves (Sporting News)

“If the Braves could step in and add Andrew McCutchen as an extra outfielder and hedge for Mike Yastrzemski, that would check a few boxes and add a respected veteran to the mix for 2026.”

— Grant McAuley, Braves Reporter (Sporting News)

What’s next

The Braves will continue to explore options to bolster their roster ahead of the 2026 season, including potentially signing veteran outfielder Andrew McCutchen to provide depth and leadership.

The takeaway

The Braves are looking to build on their strong offseason by adding veteran depth and experience to their roster, which could include signing Andrew McCutchen to complement their existing outfield group and provide valuable mentorship to the team's younger players.