Cubs Could Find Final Piece in Andrew McCutchen After Pirates Split

Veteran outfielder could provide right-handed bench bat for World Series contender

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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The Chicago Cubs have a nearly complete roster, but ESPN's Bradford Doolittle suggests they could benefit from signing free agent outfielder Andrew McCutchen, who recently parted ways with the Pittsburgh Pirates. McCutchen would provide a quality right-handed bat off the bench and platoon option to complement the left-handed hitting Moises Ballesteros, who is expected to primarily serve as the Cubs' designated hitter this season.

Why it matters

The Cubs are considered a top World Series contender, and adding a veteran like McCutchen to their bench could provide valuable depth and experience. McCutchen spent the majority of his career with the Pirates, so joining their NL Central rival Cubs could be an intriguing option as he looks to finish his career.

The details

The Cubs have a mostly complete roster, but Doolittle notes they could still use "one more quality righty bench bat" to pair with the left-handed hitting Ballesteros at DH. McCutchen, who is now a free agent after the Pirates opted not to re-sign him this offseason, is viewed as an "ideal fit" for such a role both on and off the field. The Cubs don't have to worry about McCutchen playing center field regularly due to the emergence of prospect Pete Crow-Armstrong.

  • McCutchen recently parted ways with the Pittsburgh Pirates this offseason.

The players

Andrew McCutchen

A veteran outfielder who spent the majority of his MLB career with the Pittsburgh Pirates before becoming a free agent this offseason.

Moises Ballesteros

A highly promising bat who is expected to primarily serve as the Cubs' designated hitter this season, swinging from the left side.

Pete Crow-Armstrong

A top Cubs prospect whose emergence means the team doesn't have to worry about McCutchen playing center field regularly.

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What they’re saying

“OK, no one said the Cubs were *supposed* to get Andrew McCutchen, and even if they had, it would have been well down the list of Chicago's to-do items for this winter. So, this is more of a helpful suggestion than a question, one that springs to mind when looking at how Chicago's roster has taken shape over the winter. The Cubs are pretty loaded, but one need is one more quality righty bench bat to serve as a low-usage platoon option to go with Moises Ballesteros in the DH slot.”

— Bradford Doolittle, ESPN Writer (ESPN)

“McCutchen, now that it appears he isn't headed back to Pittsburgh, seems like an ideal fit for such a role, on and off the field -- if he's willing to finish his career outside of Pittsburgh. World Series contenders have often had aging former stars filling out their benches, and McCutchen is just sitting there waiting to be that savvy vet for somebody.”

— Bradford Doolittle, ESPN Writer (ESPN)

What’s next

The Cubs will likely continue to monitor McCutchen's free agency situation and determine if he would be a good fit to provide veteran depth and a right-handed bat off the bench.

The takeaway

Adding a proven veteran like Andrew McCutchen could provide the finishing touch on an already loaded Cubs roster as they aim to win the World Series. McCutchen's familiarity with the NL Central and ability to mentor younger players make him an intriguing free agent target for a team with championship aspirations.