The Pittsburgh Pirates remain open to re-signing Andrew McCutchen, but their connection with the longtime franchise star is currently uneasy, according to The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal. The team’s internal sources acknowledge mishandling the situation by failing to present McCutchen with a clear plan after his return last winter, which has worsened tensions.
Rosenthal reported,
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Perhaps this all was unavoidable for a proud player and often bumbling franchise,
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adding,
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But if the Pirates had been more straightforward with McCutchen, they at least would have made clear that they offered him no guarantees beyond 2025. They held internal discussions about relating those intentions to McCutchen, sources said. But they decided against taking a direct approach, perhaps out of fear of confrontation.
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Performance and Context Behind the Pirates’ Decisions
Pittsburgh’s current predicament largely stems from their own choices. While not renewing McCutchen’s contract is justifiable based on his 2023 performance—.239/.333/.367 batting line and a 95 OPS+ over 135 games—the 39-year-old veteran appears unlikely to improve. The Pirates seem caught between honoring past achievements and focusing on future prospects like ace Paul Skenes, who is under team control.
McCutchen’s role as a link to the franchise’s better days is significant, but the mishandling of his status has led to public criticism from the 2013 National League MVP. He has voiced disappointment over the absence of a proper farewell, contributing to an already high level of frustration among Pittsburgh fans.
Unresolved Tensions and Their Impact on the Team’s Outlook
With fan dissatisfaction growing, the Pirates face a public relations challenge they are unlikely to win against McCutchen’s candidness. Rosenthal speculated that signing a new contract may not resolve the underlying issues, as McCutchen might still harbor resentment
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over the team’s initial refusal to consider him
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or the prospect of a limited role
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what almost certainly would be a role limited to serving as a DH against left-handed pitching, if that.
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This difficult situation sets a troubling tone for Pittsburgh as Opening Day approaches, highlighting the strain between the franchise and one of its most celebrated players. The Pirates must navigate these tensions carefully to avoid further damage to their reputation and fan relations.
