January 25: McCutchen took to social media overnight to express his frustration with his unsigned status and the fact that he wasn’t in attendance at PiratesFest this weekend.
“I wonder, did the Cards do this [to] Wainwright/Pujols/Yadi? Dodgers to Kershaw? Tigers to Miggy? The list goes on and on,” McCutchen wrote. “If this is my last year, it would have been nice to meet the fans one last time as a player.”
It’s not the first time the veteran has alluded to his unsigned status and the narrative surrounding his future. In a post on January 19, McCutchen contended with the notion that he’s no longer a capable defender in the outfield, arguing that he simply hasn’t been asked to play the field and that the games he did play the field last year were at his own suggestion. While defensive metrics are hardly reliable in such a small sample size, he did rate out positively on defense across his seven games in the outfield last year according to Outs Above Average and has been worth +2 OAA overall since moving to a primary DH role with Milwaukee back in 2022.
January 24: After spending 12 of his 18 Major League seasons with the Pirates, Andrew McCutchen said back in August that he wanted to return for another season in the black-and-gold, while acknowledging that his shortcomings during the 2025 season. “I have to do what I need to do to…show that I was able to have a good year and still can play the following year,” McCutchen said, noting that he didn’t want to be just “filling in a spot” and not contributing.
There hasn’t been any buzz about McCutchen’s market as he enters his age-39 season, with the assumption being that the Pirates are his only potential destination. When asked about McCutchen during the PiratesFest fan event this weekend, Bucs GM Ben Cherington told fans and reporters (including Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette) that the club is still has to assemble more of its roster before considering McCutchen’s role.
“Andrew has meant a ton to the team. He’s had an incredible run at two different times. Certainly his legacy as a Pirate is secure,” Cherington said. “Everybody with the Pirates, it’s our desire to maintain a really good relationship with Andrew well into the future. Then we come back to our team. What is the job? The job is to build a team that gives us the best chance to win games when you’re at the ballpark in June and July….Our approach this offseason has been laser-focused on what gives us the best chance to win more baseball games in Pittsburgh than we have in the past seasons. That’s gonna continue to guide our decisions.
“So much respect for Andrew. That relationship is really important to us. We’ll continue to communicate with him directly as the team comes together. We have more work to do.”
McCutchen hit .239/.333/.367 with 13 homers over 551 plate appearances in 2025, translating to a 95 wRC+. While it was just the second time in McCutchen’s stellar career that he dropped under the 100 wRC+ mark for league-average offense, most of his Statcast metrics were also average at best, apart from a very strong 12.2% walk rate.
These aren’t the numbers you want from a designated hitter in particular, and McCutchen is primarily a DH at this point in his career, with only 20 games played in the outfield during his 2023-25 return tenure in Pittsburgh. To this end, the Pirates have seemingly already addressed the DH spot by signing Ryan O’Hearn, who may alternate with Spencer Horwitz between the first base and DH positions in the lineup.
O’Hearn can also play in the corner outfield, and since O’Hearn and Horwitz are both left-handed hitters, there would seemingly be some roster space for Cutch as a part-time righty bat who is perhaps limited to facing southpaw pitching. As Cherington implied, however, the Pirates remain looking for ways to improve the team. If that means choosing between McCutchen or a younger and more versatile position player, the second option might simply make more sense for the Pirates.
Improving the offense has been the club’s chief goal this winter. Between O’Hearn, Brandon Lowe, Jhostynxon Garcia, and Jake Mangum, the Bucs hope they’ve already both raised the ceiling and elevated the floor of their offensive potential, plus it would naturally help a ton if Bryan Reynolds or Oneil Cruz bounced back from disappointing 2025 campaigns. As underwhelming as McCutchen’s 2025 numbers were, his 95 wRC+ still ranked fourth amongst all Pirates hitters last year, speaking to the lackluster state of Pittsburgh’s lineup.
If McCutchen was any other player, it probably wouldn’t even be a question that the Pirates would move from an aging DH-only bat. However, cutting ties with a franchise icon doesn’t sound like something Cherington (or likely owner Bob Nutting) wants to do until it is absolutely necessary, or if Cutch makes the decision to retire on his own terms. Part of the reason McCutchen returned to the Pirates prior to the 2023 season was his desire to be part of Pittsburgh’s next winning era, yet with seven straight losing seasons, the Bucs have yet to fully break out of their rebuild.
Breaking through to at least a winning record (and maybe a playoff berth) with McCutchen on the roster would be ideal for all parties. McCutchen’s previous three one-year deals with the Pirates were signed earlier in the offseason than January 24, though of course there’s still plenty of time before Spring Training for a deal to be worked out between the two sides.
Pirates fans–read the outside perspective here and take note. I love Cutch but he is not a contending team’s primary DH.
Here’s the thing the pirates aren’t contenders
Here’s the thing. With their pitching staff, all they needed was average hitting. They lost a lot of one run games last year
Average hitting with that pitching staff is a contending team.
What? The pitching staff is not as good as you think it is. Not even the best in the division. Most are super injury prone and coming off injuries, so they won’t be there the whole season working light innings.
lay off the sauce
Burrows who has been traded had TJ surgery 2 years ago and other than Jones whose on pace to return in May, this is a healthy rotation
Which SP in Pittsburgh is super injury prone aside from Braxton Ashcraft? Jones won’t even be in the rotation to begin the season and Ashcraft was awesome last year. Keller has thrown like top 5 IP since 2023.
Card AG, the Pirates are a 75-76 win team. They are not contending. They may not even climb out of last place if the Cardinals pick up another SP or get decent performance out of May, Fitts, and Dobbins.
Honestly I hope every team underestimates us this much. In no world are the Cardinals having a better record than the Pirates this year barring significant injuries. They may not win the division or anything but they’re not a bad team by any objective measure.
Here’s the thing…only the Dodgers are contenders in today’s MLB. The other 29 teams are just baseball’s version of the Washington Generals to one degree or another.
I’m sorry, but that is ridiculously not true
correction
The Dodgers are the only legitimate contender unless other clubs choose to cheat
@Astros
Ridiculously?
You do realize the Dodgers incurred numerous devastating injuries to their pitching staff, and had historically bad seasons from players who did stay healthy, yet still won the World Series.
No other franchise in MLB would’ve been able to overcome this. Yet due to the Dodgers solely unique financial capabilities, these injuries and poor performances were just pot holes on their road to another championship.
And the first step to acting like one is to not act on emotion and re-sign him
Selling tickets is all about fan emotion. Cutch will sell tickets for a farewell tour.
There’s a better use of roster spot than platoon DH
Bob, then name one. The Pirates are not spending the money to get anyone better and there is no one better in their system.
How are they not a contender they lost 35 one run games last year and will have Jared Jones back along with a very talented rotation, they 100 percent are contenders and could take the division
John, put down the pipe. At best the Pirates are a 76 win team and 7-8 wins out of the 3rd WC.
Agree 100% but for the pirates trotting out a replacement level dh is fine. Especially when it’s a franchise icon. He will sell some tickets. People going to see cutch one last time.
You could do a lot worse..but you’re right. He’s not a DH on a contender.
Breaking news! Cutch isn’t a great dh! Who needs post Gazette with reporting like this!
Post Gazette is closing in like two months for real.
Good! #Ogden
Pittsburg Post Gazette isn’t an Ogden paper.
Buy it Bob.
in May Bob Cheapskate
Im tried of these posters who can’t spell. Hey troll it’s PITTSBURGH NOT PITTSBURG. Typical unintelligent orange cult lover
If the franchise icon from a decade ago was a draw they would have already signed a contract
Besides, if the Pirates want a cheap, fan-service veteran with good clubhouse vibes and a little left in the tank as a hitter for their DH, Starling Marte is out there available. Marte’s 111 OPS+ would have been second on the entire roster, regardless of number of plate appearances.
I’d take Cutch over Starling Marte.
@Running Red: Why? Cutch, 95 OPS+ and 0.1 WAR in 135 games. Marte, 111 OPS+ and 1.0 WAR in 98 games. Marte is objectively worth more and a much better hitter at this point.
Against LHP, he’s pretty solid, though. That would be the best role for him at this point.
He’s definitely better against lefties but Joey Bart actually hits lefties better and would be a better DH option for us. I love Cutch and would love to have him as a bench bat. He seems to want more than that though and I just don’t think the Pirates should sign him with the idea that he has sort of regular place in the lineup.
he wouldn’t be the primary DH instead play only against LH pitching
Marte had a .755 OPS against RHP in 2025. .755 in 2024 and .767 in 2023. He doesn’t need to sit against RHP.
The Pirates are not a contending team. Cutch was the 3rd best hitter on the team.
Marte’ problem is he can’t stay healthy and is only going to get worse as he ages
The Pirates are trying to get better and have made moves to their roster to make that so. Catering to Cutch shouldn’t be one of them. If they want him back as a bench bat—OK. He hasn’t earned playing time because he was once great.
He will be .
After they miss out on Suarez
Pirates need a RH bat bad
Sandlot, the Pirates are not a contending team. Cutch would not be the primary DH.
Cutch would be the primary DH vs LHP
I wouldnt say that justifies them signing him, but they’ll do it anyways
I don’t know why he’d be the primary DH with Ohearn and Horwitz on the roster to play 1B/DH.
Cutch as the DH is just a way to justify bringing him back so you can downgrade your defense by playing Ohearn in the outfield.
An actual outfielder or even infielder that can play defense makes much more sense.
He could have bought a ticket to fanfest
Please don’t resign Andrew, we need better.
You have Yorke, Password and Suwinski as backups. Cutch is superior to those three at the moment. He makes the team better on a couple million dollars deal with small incentive bonuses. Quintana probably helps Pirates more but no reason they can’t have both. Cutch is not part of the equation to either sign or not sign Geno.
If Cutch is playing the outfield for more than a game or two in a dire emergency, then something has gone very wrong. Pirates are not going to win a bunch of games even if they sign all 3 of Quintana, Geno, and Cutch. Let the kids play and determine who’s part of the future. Cutch can DH full time again and provide veteran leadership.
I meant that Cutch is superior at the plate, agree that he is a pinch-hitter and part-time DH who should play minimal innings of defense
What kids? Yorke Gonzales Cook ain’t happening. Flores needs to be able to catch or really really hit to dh. 4 outfielders better than password. Cherington wants to add another. KG only kid who will need to play at some point this season.
Yorke: peppermint patty or sharpshooter vet of the Great War of 1812? You the American people decide.
No, this is a New Yorke
Theo- Alvin York was an American hero of the Great War of 1914.
Let’s get our American history straight although I salute you for trying even though you were a century off.
Good catch: nice to see someone out there paying attention + culturally literate. Was made aware of that by the Howard Hawks-Gary Cooper Sergeant York movie we were assigned to watch as part of a war + pop culture class. One of the earliest examples of earnest/corny pro-war effort films cranked out by Hollywood
Good to see someone on here who gives a crap about American history.
Love it or leave it.
Password hasn’t shown that he can hit major league pitching on a regular basis and Sowinski is horrible
Man3
Suwinski is a AAA player who does not belong in majors. Password is not ready and Yorke might not be either. There is room on the bench for Cutch as a pinch hitter and part time DH one last time.
Pinch hitters are really not necessary with the DH.Sure,they are sometimes used,but it is not like the old days when it was an important position.
The Pirates need a DH with power,not someone who walks a lot.
I like Cutch but it could get ugly when he falls off the cliff.
Pinch hitters are a absolute necessity. Going to let Cruz hit against LHP in critical moment? Horowitz need to see. The good teams use platoons and pinch hitters all the time.
Not enough positions to spend a 25 man spot for a pinch hitter.If Cruz needs a ph use Mangum and platoon.
Cruz should not be starting against left handers nor play at all to give others a chance.
He should be the LH DH anyway,and pinch hit for then with the RH DH.
Cruz is bad enough in the field that he should probably be the LH DH.
Cutch wouldn’t just be a pinch hitter he would dh. And there’s 3 spots available for backup players.
Is Password a thing? Or is that a made up name? Pretty cool either way. My password is k%n@/836g. Used to be 123456#
Password is indeed Garcia’s nickname.
Neato: got to start following you guys. Have always enjoyed pierogi stade
Tell that to TheMan3. The novelty of pierogi races has apparently worn off
Its a 26 man roster.
Mendoza, its a 26 man roster. Has been for several years. Try to keep up.
I think Mendoza likely forgot more than you’ll ever learn
I think that if Nutting has the money that there should be free pierogis given out to the attending fans for one hour after each pierogie race.
I’m old and old fashioned.
For once you are correct.
I have not forgotten much but have lost so many brain cells that the synapses have been retired from lack of use.
Men lose one half pound of muscle every year past fifty but I have been peeing out brain cells for almost that long.
I will scrutinize Baseball’s posts until I find an equally dumb insignificant mistake and remind him of it.
What say you young man-81 wins this year with the team as is?
I’m not there yet, my friend. I have some reasons
First, the Pirates will bank on 3 of their 5 starting pitchers doing what they haven’t done yet. That is, perform at this level over a long season
Secondly, while they’ve addressed some of their hitting anemia, it’s not enough. You’re adding a couple guys to a line up that was among MLB’s worst in so many categories. Add a big time bat—which I now think looks doubtful—and perhaps I’m at 81
Lastly, show me that some level of learning has gone on where fundamentals are concerned. While he’s said a lot of intelligent, mature things lately, Cruz has a lot to prove at bat and in the field. He’s one example. Can Kelly get this team to perform the fundamentals needed to win close games while at the plate? Can he get them to be defensively sound? Can he get them to consistently hustle?
I’m going to wait until the names we hear as being available actually land somewhere before making a prediction. Lots of ifs here
And I am heartened by what they have done this off season. A nice surprise. But is it enough?
26 different types of pierogi?
All I know about pierogi is “umm”!
Fair enough young man.
I thought that you were brighter than that Theo.
NEVER GIVE YOUR PASSWORD OUT.
You can give your old one out but never your current one.
And make sure that you write it down as yours seems completely at random unless it was your dog’s name as a child.
Problem is probably Cutch is use to that 5m and abs. Both might need to be cut.
Get KG at SS and or sign trade for SS 3b and that kicks Gonzales to bench with one of those things and Triolo to super utility with 2. Kicks Suwinski Password Yorke off roster. You could sign Cutch or someone they believe can still play the outfield. For 5m you can get a outfielder.
A bench of Triolo Gonzales real outfielder or Gonzales real outfielder Cutch is fine.
Cutch needs to be able to play the field.He is 39 years old.He is not getting signed by any other team.
If the Pirates are serious about improving their hitting team they do not have room for Cutch.
They should get the guy from the Braves to be the DH.
Cutch needs to be able to play the field. This isn’t Russia. Dodgers dh doesn’t play the field they do ok. Braves guy doesn’t play field. Is he better than Cutch that it doesn’t matter? Maybe. I have no idea about his health or if he is washed.
Give me this guy absolutely.
Marcell Ozuna had a batting average of .284 with 54 hits, 10 homers, 25 RBIs and 27 runs scored in 55 games between March 27, 2025 and June 1, 2025
Avoid this guy at all cost
Marcell Ozuna batted .199 with 59 hits, 11 home runs, 43 RBIs and 34 runs scored in 90 games between June 2, 2025 and September 30, 2025.
Russia? Or Sweden? McCutchen is a fielder i am certain. Saw him at the last sum sumner bashout helping Cecil flip hot dogs
You have a career in standup comedy, Theo
How dare you use old school statistics for the last four months on Ozuna.Only past their primes oldsters are allowed to use batting average and rbis
You must commit to only use the #&$/)@)$&#’s ones that you use.
I like his power.You are correct- he may be worth half of what I said.That is probably a reason why he has not signed.But if he is not toast at this point he may be a better bet as DH.
Then again do the Pirates really need a DH player or just shift it around and use Bart against lefthanders?
Time to move on, cutch had a great career
Need to add 2 more bats in order to move on.
Is that really cutch answering the phone in the hotel suite though or Jerry MaGuire trying to hold on to one of his few remaining clients. Bob Sugar would like to know
Surprised they haven’t already re-signed him. If I’m the Pirates this would be my #1 goal to bring him back.
Or Maybe not. I had no idea he was 39
I think they wanted to wait it out and see if any of the other low cost free agents wanted to sign, but other teams are scooping those up now so it’s becoming a musical chairs scenario where Cutch and the Pirates are the ones left standing.
Might as well hire Mike McCarthy as manager too.
Or player manager. Why waste $ on a manger. OK to have one when they cost a few million tops.
He’s getting older: we’re getting older too. Fire up some barrow tea and Steve Nicks: landslide headed this way
I kind of think Stevie could play a better right field at this point. Even in a top hat
Bringing up the top hat: points!
Free hat, free hat , free hat.
IYKYK
Oh sure. Huge fan of the Mac back in the day
Take her bat, take it down
No idea what kind of hitter she’d be though
I thought that I was smarter as a younger man but at that time I thought that Stevie Nicks was Lindsay Buckingham and vice versa.
She is still a cutie pie though.
Which one broke the chain ? Or was it all of them?
While they absolutely need another RH bat, it would preferably be a 3B.
They want a 3B so they can use Triolo at 3B/SS backup for Konnor
Right now their (no-DH) bench is
Mangum OF
Yorke 2B/RF
Gonzales 2B/ss
Garcia/Suwinski OF
Adding Cutch doesnt help that situation, nor solve the issue at 3B.
Cutch clogs the DH spot and can barely play RF anymore
It is awkward with Cutch right now but I think that it would be much worse if they have to dfa him during the season.
On another subject I saw several of the young players being interviewed at Pirate Fest and I thought that they were quite impressive young men.
I think the moves the Pirates have made this offseason show they are actually trying to win, not sure carrying a DH who can’t hit anymore makes too much sense even if he is a franchise legend.
Just let Unc retire
I know Pittsburgh loves Cutch, but he’s already a shell of himself. Let him enjoy his retirement.
Shell of himself isn’t much worse or worse than the other under 5m crowd and fans know who he is and like him. I would have at least 3 Cutch bobble head nights. Cutch kids bat. Cutch kids jersey. 3 bobble heads might as well have 3 t shirts. And a Cutch theme drone show. Yeah I am bringing Cutch back as he will pretty much pay for himself. Gold glove Cutch bobble head 1 night and t shirt another night. Do same thing with mvp theme. 3rd ones I dunno. Get creative. All star Cutch? City connect uniform Cutch?
The problem with Cutch is that they are going to have to cut the cord at some point and it will not be pretty as he still thinks that he is a good player.
Clutch’s bat fills the Ke’bryan Hayes bat in the lineup at this point of his career
Cutch is a way better hitter than Hayes, As a full time DH though maybe not worth it.
Cutch > Hayes at plate
Ramon Urias would make the Pirates a better team. He could be the every day third basemen with the ability to move around the infield. Marcell Ozuna is still out there too, and he would be an upgrade over McCutchen at DH.
I would rather see what Triolo candor with a full season after swing adjustments, if we dont trade or sign a player like Suarez there is no reason to sign a player like Urias when you already have a gold glove caliber player on thr roster
Urias can be trade bait, same as any other free agent seemingly available to Pittsburgh at the moment.
many available players would be better than Cutch but Cherington hasn’t signed any of them and with a month to go before spring training starts, it’s likely Cutch might be the only player willing to sign
Andrew is a wonderful guy with a great history. Yet, memories of Willie Mays stumbling across the Mets’ outfield and Mickey Mantle hobbling around the bases, remind me how hard it is for aged stars to face the reality that enough is enough. And that more is counter productive.
Cutch is still a useful player as of 2025. Don’t know when you go but hasn’t happened yet.
I hope that this is truly the case.
Useful but would much rather have someone better. But all his statcast data is between 30 and 70 percent so he is better than 30 40 50 60 percent of players at everything. His ability to walk and not chase pitches out of the strike zone is much better than 70. But hasn’t played the field so that is a huge negative.
Doesn’t he also hold important value in the clubhouse and as a mentor for young players? I’m not a Pirates fan, but would like to see them do well. I used to enjoy watching guys like Clemente, Stargell and Parker. I like Cutch a lot too.
No idea. Not even sure how much that does for you. Former and current young players have been bad. Hate to see them without him if he made them better.
He needs to gracefully bow out. He has no real goals to reach (3,000 hits is over 700 away). Do the classy thing, Cutch, and announce your retirement with class and dignity.
1350 runs scored and 1200 RBIs are still in play. As is 350 HRs. They aren’t big milestones but they are some nice round numbers to aim for in one year.
They aren’t milestones.
Maybe he likes playing baseball. Or likes $.
Rank Name Home Runs as a Pirate
1 Willie Stargell 475
2 Ralph Kiner 301
3 Andrew McCutchen 248
4 Roberto Clemente 240
Just two home runs to go to be the third player to hit 250 homers in a Pirates uniform!
He ain’t getting into hall of fame as is. Get some roids, catch Kiner, get in HOF! Nothing to lose other than possibly health.
The Pirates Hall of Fame sure but Baseball Hall of Fame, no pill will help him at this point.
Be sort of cool for him to play half the season and have Konnor come up the game after Cutch retires.
There’s a decent idea. And still a lot of talk about Cutch not being able to play the field…..I would take his word for it that he can and he is willing if asked. Platoon outfielder. Let him prove it at the outset and he either succeeds or is replaced (willingly or not) by someone who outplays him either on the majors roster or in AAA (like KG).
MLB – That’s a goal? That’s like saying if so-and-so gets 22 more strikeouts he can be the Mariners 14th greatest strikeout pitcher in team history. I love Cutch, but he’s not a stat player.
They still need bats. Its probably time to say goodbye.
Bat is the only thing he can still do.
Sadly, I think next year he’ll get a flyer, maybe from a team like the Angels or White Sox, but will flame out mid season and call it a career.
If he’s so washed the Pirates can’t use him he will probably retire.
Cherington is one of the smartest GM’s in the league. He will do the right thing as he always does. Pirate fans just need to trust the process.
Welcome to the comments section Mrs. Cherington!
Cherington has never had a winning record in six seasons with the Pirates.
Not his fault other than 2025. 2020 21 22 they didn’t have the talent or the $ to win. 2023 Contreras lost the ability to throw a baseball well and Cruz Velasquez Brubaker Choi out for most or all of season. Very very few teams could overcome losing 3 starting pitchers and certainly not one that had Neal Huntingtons farm system still. 2024 they had winning record at deadline. Cherington couldn’t land a bat and can’t blame him with what was available. More significant was Holderman Bednar becoming awful and Shelton still using them to close out games. 2025 is all Cherington for not firing Shelton.
If anything blame the business of baseball. 100 million shouldn’t be able to win vs 300 million. You shouldn’t have to tank and nail such a high percentage of draft picks trades to compete.
A smart gm would have ditched Priester 4 seam and wouldn’t have given him away for Yorke. Would have fired Shelton after his awful managing and losing the team.
Average intelligence Average gm.
And as you have said before you need a top 5 GM with a small market team to do well.
Cherington has strengths but also weaknesses.Medium high ceilings on some but low floors on more.
Until this year his good trades were sparse.
Kovacic said that Nutting or someone close to him told him that Shelton had to be fired by Nutting.I do not doubt that.
His two trades were very good this year.If they do not turn out well,hindsight is always 20-20.I think that O’Hearn is a good signing.
Those additions surprised me as he has never shown the ability to make good trades before.
Bottom 5 payroll you better have a top 10 if not 5 gm right?
Good news is Cherington was extended for too long to be fired so he as gm will be making his 7th top 10 draft pick! So 2020 yoi get Jones who was a good great pitcher. Mlod who has something as a reliever at least it seems. Bubba top 3 in baseball pitching prospect I’d put him at #1 because we seen him do it in mlb. TJ if nothing else everyday 2b I think he will be significantly better than Gonzales. Then we get to the guys who could save this mid gm job and allow the Pirates to possibly make playoffs. Drafted the best player in draft 3 years in a row and they were strong draft classes Skenes KG SH. Shouldn’t happen. But thanks to strong draft classes and some stupid teams it happened. Don’t build a Cherington statue though. Bubba TJ Skenes KG SH were no brainer had to take picks. All were by far the best player available. Where’s the guys who come out of nowhere though? That’s when you know you have elite scouting development.
Only have 1 problem with Cherington. He didn’t fire Shelton and 2025 was wasted. I don’t think they were going to win anyways so probably a good thing. Higher draft pick.
Next bigger problem was Priester. Thought Yorke was awful return. He hasn’t proven me wrong. If he got red Sox return I would like that trade. Pirates would have added a top 100 pitching prospect at very least.
Cherington is still here though and thats fine. It was a painful process but player development is where it needs to be. You want better but it’s respectable.
Cherington not make good trades? He does this every year. Great trades even. Awesome. Fantastic. A+. He traded Dyson amazing trade. What he get who cares he was able to trade him. Traded Hedges. Who cares for what it was incredible. Traded Hill and Choi! Again who cares what the return was. What a salary dump. Actually they got a elite upside lotto ticket. Poor man’s Cruz I called him. Tall skinny fast could really crush a baseball they few times he hit it. 2 months of Quintana for 5 years of Oviedo isn’t good? That’s A+ fantastic. Fat slob platoon dh for Holderman was fantastic. Didn’t work out long term but obviously a great arm talent for again a fat slob platoon. Newman for Moreta was fantastic. Moreta was good great until his arm fell off. 1 or 2 years of no power weak platoon Newman. Connor Joe was good for a bit so that’s a good trade whoever the heck he traded. Whoever he traded for Choi was good. Choi was good for the 4 weeks he played. Bart good trade. They trade for Santana? Gonzales trade was good. Frazier trade was good. Padres ate up that fake 300 batting average. Gave us a guy who hit 27 hrs in one year as a freaking platoon. Musgrove trade was a win. 6 years of Bednar more valuable than 2 of Musgrove. Bednar trade not so good. It was ok and the catcher not named Flores I think may be the real prize. Also Musgrove got Hudson Head. Who doesn’t like Head? Well maybe not now but Padres took him in 3rd round. Wanted him so bad they gave him a then record signing bonus for a 3rd round pick 3m or something. He was a poor man’s KG. Like KG had a arm bar. Unfortunately his arm bar was much worse and he didn’t have his dad, childhood coach and the team usa manager to work with him to fix it. Kyle Nicholas for Stallings I’ll still make that trade. Stalling was awful in Miami. Rich Rod for whatever the heck he brought back was fantastic. Santana was A+ fantastic. Doubt prospect does anything. Was never supposed to do anything. You don’t give up anything that is going to be anything for a 2 month rental glove first 1b. But the genius Brewers gave the kid a million dollar bonus. For Santana? Incredible trade return. Hayes contract dump gets a A+ from me. I wasn’t crazy about Falter trade day 1 but after thinking about it good trade. Who gives a it about Falter. I wanted more but is he really worth more I don’t think so. Ferguson trade awesome.
Bad reputation. Fans thought Bell was a all star slugging 1b when he is a dh only thay had 2 incredible months his entire Pirates career. Thought Taillon with 2 tjs who hasn’t pitched in 2 years was cy young. Contreras when he could throw was just as good imo or close enough and 6 to 7 years vs 2. Hate Marte trade because Malone couldn’t stay healthy and pirates couldn’t develop a no doubt had the feet speed glove arm SS with lighting quick hands and fast bat.
Rebuild would have been much better much sooner if Malone was your #3 Peguero starting SS Contreras #3b Moreta closing out the 7th Holderman the 8th. Gonzales had just a bit more power and was solid 2b. Davis a 20 hr catcher. Jones didn’t get tj. Suwinski kept hitting hrs. That’s just the obvious talent guys. No lottery fantasy needed. Although 1 international bat would have been nice.
Oh yeah Horwitz. You don’t want Ortiz back do you? Tired dude probably still does. That’s why he had to change name. He cried all over his keyboard. Brubaker took out another one. The ole pitching coach has a soft spot for back rotation starters.
Since the post Gazette is toast there ya go. 6 years of Ben Cherington. I dunno if it’s a hit piece or a endorsement.
All of that and I can only come away with: sometimes having all the stars align at the right time trumps talent (however that is defined – it isn’t just statistics). Those stars include, in a big way, finances; the Red Sox’ spending when Cherrington was there made his star brighter without a doubt. And what does it say about the team when the Rookie superstar is the one taking the lead on cheerleading? To me it says that a lot of people in the clubhouse don’t have much enthusiasm for showing up every day. That’s another star in the number that have to line up. Back to talent: you get drafted then you have talent. You make it to the show then you prove that you have exceptional and lasting talent. How much difference really is there between those 30 to 70% statistically determined players? Coaching and attitude in my opinion. Good posts! Enjoy reading you guys.
I’m not thrilled with Horwitz just yet but Ortiz sure put the screws to himself so yeah, you got me there
I’m not even sure if I like the Oviedo trade just yet but perhaps Password will turn out to be more than what we normally get as a return in trades
Cherington’s failure has been player development. You know this. It’s why his trades are so hard to define. Too often, he has nothing to trade thanks to his own bumbling player development program. Maybe that’s turned around. We’ll see shortly
You’re right about Shelton and if nothing else, Kelly got Cruz to do some introspection and put in work this winter. He sounds like he’s moved past the me-first petulant teen he too often embodied before. He even cut his dreadlocks.
(I have nothing against anyone’s hair choices. I just wonder if that hair got in his way on the basepaths and in the field)
But hey, even if he slumps again, he’ll hit a few bombs that come out like a howitzer fired it off and Greg Brown will have something to talk about for weeks
You are loquacious!
I wanted to speak from an intelligent position so I googled Cherington’s trades and got the North Shore Nine video.
Usually I am quiet and thought stupid but then I post and remove all doubt.
They rated 23 trades up to the July 2025 podcast date.I have generally been better to your man Cherington that they were.
I have listed them into major,meduim,and lesser value trades but they did not on their podcast.I have given some consideration to the state of the Pirates when the trade was made.
I have also been more lenient to him for his early deals as Huntington’s early ones were not particularly good.
Major value trades
Marte D
Bell D
Taillon D
Musgrove B
Medium value trades
Frazier B
Holmes F
Stallings B
Quintana A
Lesser value trades
Newman B
For Joe B
Vogelbach B
Stephenson D
Santana C
Castro A
Hill C
Hedges A
For Bart A
Priester D
For Cook D
For IKF B
For de La Cruz F
Ortiz B
Second Frazier D
Giving the values of 3,2,and 1 for each value trade,and 4 through 0 for each grade,the average overall grade is 2.2,or C-.
The ratings for the 4 major,4 medium,and 15 lesser trades are D,C,and C for each category.In deference to him,the major and medium trades were done in his first couple of years as general manager,and were probably salary dumps although he received very little in return for good players.
I stand by my statement that he is clearly not a good trader.
Maybe the haircut is a superstition thing: change of luck with a new look.
Hopefully Skenes isn’t superstitious about grooming!😎
north shore nine just grade wrong or hate Ben.
When you are a loser you trade anything you can even if it’s just a lotto or dump salary. You aren’t supposed to get anything for Frazier. No one wants him. Why you got him for 1.5m Rich Hill just be happy you don’t have to pay him. They traded a nothing prospect at time for Joe and Joe was useful. That prospect hasn’t been good and hasn’t made mlb. Wouldn’t sniff pirates rotation or pen.
Most trades fail. Why I grade them at time. Anyone can grade them 5 years later. Well Anyone but you and north shore. You trade garbage you get worse garbage back.
Password might K too much and not hit enough hrs. I like it though. Oviedo had to be traded at some point. Take a swing at a top 100 with power and can play solid defense.
So you spoke up and removed all doubt?
No,I posted.
There is always room for Cutch. If I had to choose between suarez or Cutch, I’d pick Cutch. That said, another role might be a better fit.
Thank god you don’t have a choice. Cutch is bad at every facet of the game now except facing LHP and taking walks. You don’t try and contend with a shortside platoon DH. Suarez plates runs. You rather see 100+ RBIs or 50ish? A 125 wRC+ or 95? To anyone who understands even the least bit about the game of baseball, you take Suarez even if he’s exponentially more expensive over Cutch 10 times of 10. 100 even.
It’s not about the stats
Pirates should at least try to win for once.
Yes, it is.
Id agree, McCutchen should have a roster spot if he is willing to take a fair offer. A veteran and a captain.
Im also the guy who believes the Pirates should jump their young prospects and seemingly these two viewpoints contradict one another because Id keep McCutchen on the roster all season even if he was league average and that takes up a valuable spot on the roster.
What it says to me is that Oneil Cruz should be on the block. Brandon Lowe too. Both should be traded at the trade deadline.
Definitely not the real Bob Nutting. He looks at the price tags, considers the money they can make off a Cutch bobblehead, and picks Cutch every time.
Yeah real Bob Nutting is like We already gave Suwinski a million! Just use him. But Mr Nutting we need to spend 5m more for you to keep your revenue sharing. Well we gotta do what we gotta do.
Cutch had more hits than Cruz last year and Cruz is 10 years younger
The 95 wRC was last year.
What would it be this year?
Give him a day in the summer and call it a career.
The Pirates are not trying to contend. They will be lucky to win 74 games. Cutch was the 3rd best hitter on the team last year and 2nd best vs LHP. There is no one better that he would be blocking and the Pirates are not spending to get one of the few free agents that were better last season. Have some class. Give Cutch a retirement tour.
They better win at least 75. I took the over and think it was 74. Felt pretty strong about it.
drawing walks means that you’re getting on base. Problem with last year’s team no one was driving him in when he would draw a walk
Thats insane. Suarez is a much better DH
Cutch is looking more likely for 5 mil+ incentives tho.
I dont think theyll see reason to give Suarez the 20 mil AAV for 2 years it could require.
On a 1-year deal it Suarez much better option
Goku- If they could get Suarez for two years $35-40 M it would be well worth it.
They need another good hitter.
They would be taking a chance on him but they need to take a risk.
And sign Ozuna for $10-12 M for one year to DH.
Nutting needs to show the fans that he wants a winner.These additions would not take the salary total to more than what it was in the mid teens.
I think Ozuna will need to be cheaper or he isn’t a pirate. They need a 5th starter. Outfielder be nice.
30 million more to the payroll? Has Nuttings $ rearrangement shell game tricked you into thinking 30m more for Suarez Ozuna and 8m 10m for a pitcher? Reds Cleveland look at their payroll. Look at their attendance. They are tapped out! But Nutting is going to go way way way past them! Tired old dude would be rolling in his grave if he could see you believing this!
Cot’s Contracts shows that the Pirates have never spent more than $100M on their 26 man payroll. They’re currently projected around $94M. They aren’t adding Suarez and Ozuna without going significantly above their record payroll, at least barring a Keller or Reynolds trade, neither of which makes sense to do.
It would be nice for Skenes to say this. I do believe his thoughts at the end of the season inspired Budget-loving Bob to open his checkbook
What they’ve done so far is nice and a surprise. But it’s not enough
You were the one who correctly pointed out that as it stands right now the salary total is close to last year’s.
30 million more puts it at the amount from ten years ago when they actually had a very good team,
Tired old dude would just not believe me.
As you are.
Hope springs eternal with knuckleheads like me.
Again, the Pirates are $5M away from the most they’ve ever spent. $30M more puts them around $125M, which is $25M more than they’ve ever spent.
If you can’t raise your payroll to $125M when you have Paul Skenes to market, you’re absolutely doing it wrong and should probably get out of the business, but that’s where they are.
It’s about 10 more than last year as mentioned above. 5 shy of record. So 30 would be 25 over record if my math is right. Would be impressive why I question it happening.
As it stands right now the payroll is well over last season and the Pirates FO has been touting that in every press conference. Cherington said “its $13 million higher than 2025”.
Not if you add inflation over the period 2020-2024.
The inflation since 2015 if probably 30-35%.
Suarez is a 3/60+ signing. Cutch is a 1/2-3 signing Even at 5, its $55 million less of a commitment. The Pirates are already saying., “look! we increased payroll. pat us on the back.”. They are not signing Suarez.
If they can get him for two years $35-40M they should.
He has lasted a long time so maybe he needs to pare his wish list.
It would be the difference between a 500 team and contending for a wild card.
Honestly, if the Pirates aren’t going to sign Ozuna then what is the harm in bringing back Cutch for a farewell tour?
still plenty of bats left unsigned, they should see where they land with some of those first and consider Cutch a last resort
Still need enough bats they should sign 2 and Cutch.
No one is going to want 3 Ozuna bobble heads and t-shirts.
Plenty? That will sign for the $2-5 million Nutting will spend? Nope. Not one that had better than a 95 OPS+ last season that I found. Bring back Cutch.
Issue is does Cutch want to retire? Sense he doesn’t. But would be curious as to if ANY other team would tender him a MLB contract.
The Pirates should be his last stop. He’d be great if he was truly ready to hang them up.
Pirates can almost certainly do better at this point, even by Pirates standards.
It’s tough, but he should retire and be remembered for the great Pirate that he was.
He is still a average bat. Has star power. Likeable veteran. Someone will want that. He’s a superstar in Pittsburgh his final year so they should want him.
But you would say that next year at his age 40 unless he craters this year.
Tomlin knew that it was time.To his credit.
Cutch just does not.
Let him announce this is his last year n then pirates could make some extra gate money
I’d rather see Cutch on the 26-man roster than Nick Yorke, Jack Suwinski, and Endy Rodriguez to name a few currently taking up space on 40-man roster.
Rowdy Telez over Cutch
Anyone with any intelligence would.
Those names aren’t the problem. They need another bat. If it’s not Suarez or a 3rd baseman, then what?
Mike Tauchman
Mike is your Jesse Winker of 2026.
They need more power.
And 2025. I think AI has a signed Tauchman poster in his den.
He’s above average and cheap. I want the power 3b but realistically is anyone going to be surprised if the spend 3 to 5 million on a bat and 4 to 8 on a old lefty arm and call it a year. Hopefully do a bunch of minor league deals.
I’m expecting exactly that, honestly. I have no idea what the Suarez camp is looking for or where the market for him is. Or Ozuna, Hoskins or anyone else. It’s almost February and whatever momentum the Pirates had in terms of vibe or PR has gone cold
I do believe they want another big bat. I just don’t think Bargain Basement Bob is going to go much farther
False dilemma. Cut them too and get better hitters.
False Nutting. He would never cut lmg
I’m not the real Bob Nutting, you got me.
retire
Or play baseball and make another 3 to 5 million
I’m not against not signing Cutch, but I’m definitely against giving Suwinski a roster spot over him.
Nothing for him to accomplish, let the young ones play.
More $? Family seeing him play more? A ring? Legacy of bringing playoff baseball to Pittsburgh and then bringing it back again after a decade? That would also incease the value of a media career or business. You are just watching baseball so you must like it so maybe he likes it and can do more than just watch.
None of those things are the fans problem. Those are Cutch problems. I’d rather work on fans problems for once.
Fans want Cutch. Or at least his Chinese plastic version.
Too cheap to even pay for this site. That tracks. It’s why the Pirates will never again
contend with you as the owner.
Nah a Pirate to his core. Pirates don’t pay! Take what you can and give nothing back!
I thought that a buccaneer was one heck of a price to pay for corn until I went to the local farmer’s market.
Did you mean give Nutting back?
you already do work on fan problems
Having more fireworks nights, dollar hot dogs. pierogi races and bobble head giveaways
the young ones haven’t proven they can hit major league pitching and if they are given the opportunity and fail, the only thing left is acknowledging that 2026 is yet another failure
The young ones have been struggling with AAA pitching for that matter.
The problem with “let the young ones play” is that few prospects at AA/AAA outside of the 21 games KG played for Altoona last year have put up numbers showing they’re ready for MLB pitching. And those few that have had success and been promoted have stunk.
Cutch seems very insistent on wanting to play. I wonder how many other teams outside of Pittsburgh would be interested?? I would be fine with him retiring and staying a part of the team in some capacity. I really hope he doesn’t sign elsewhere and have a crappy final season. If he comes back, I want the expectation to be a part time DH and outfielder. Not an everyday player. They have guys who would benefit from DH reps.
I can’t imagine too many teams wanting a 40 year old batting .230 and hitting 10 homers.
I think that if he had received any other offers he would have signed by now.
Still a average bat so that means there are plenty of worse players. Name recognition. Not being able to play much outfield hurts him. Whoever doesn’t have a full time dh would be interested. Not that he would be full time dh.
Random question but was just looking at his stats and was wondering why he had a negative war in 2016. Stats are solid, not spectacular of course, and that was the catalyst year for the start of his decline, but a negative war seems a bit harsh.
Good example why war isn’t used by those in the know. Pirates Cutch would be thrilled with that season. He can play until age 50 if he keeps repeating that season.
One of the most overrated players in recent memory.
Who what when why where are they overrating him? On Mars? I know this is just a attempt to trigger theman3 and likes but majority of people in here are saying he should retire who would want him I suppose he is better than these current guys who will be dfa non tender in near future.
I don’t think fans of other teams overrate him, we all overrate our favorite teams players. He does overrate himself by comparing himself to pujols, miggy and Kershaw though. Cutch was one of my favorite players in his heyday. He lost some shine when he left Pitt for the money though imo. Then only returned once he had no /few/bad other options. Then now he’s comparing himself to first ballot HoF of this generation and complaining. Really really good player for a few years but not in their league and he left for greener pastures. They gave him every opportunity and are moving on
He got traded. That’s where Brian Reynolds came from. He never left for the money.
He didn’t leave for the money. He got traded. He didn’t want to leave and has said so hundreds of times at this point.
Oh-Fine post.Cutch is in the upper half of the Hall of Very Good.
The Hall of Fame has been diluted of late,but Cutch was not great enough for more than three years to be able to make it.
Cruz had been promoted for several years along with Hayes because the Pirates had no one else with more potential.
Now Skenes and Griffin have taken their place.
Cutch was that guy for his early career and deserved it but the hype turned out to be higher than the greatness.His living off the laurels are long passed if the Pirates indeed do want to start a new chapter in team play.
A winning chapter.
Not to mention the Cabrera comparison doesn’t remotely fit what he’s describing. He’s always come across as being full of himself to me. I remember one interview where he was making fun of people at the gym who breathe “too loud”-imitating them.
Cutch latest comments make me say good riddance. Reeks of desperation patheticness. I’m a cold hearted analytical AI but for a second I got a lil rowdy tellez in me. This guy is one of you. A Pittsburgher. Better than you. He wasn’t born here and stuck here but actually choose to marry one of you and live here. Pirate icon legend.
Those new comments snapped me out of that final run for the legend. Good riddance Cutch.
AI-Yours are more or less extreme takes.
I do not think that Cutch has ever been as humble as people say.I think that he is very proud.
These are not bad things.
But he is like a movie star who is no longer in the limelight but still wants the adulation.
I saw it when they wanted to move Marte to CF but Cutch said that it was his.
I saw it when he was complaining about the Pirates last year even though he had gone over the head of the GM and been given three more years to pass Pirate milestones.
I saw it when he put himself in the same tier as Pujols,Cabrera,Molina,and Kershaw.
Time waits for no one.
I think that his agent has received no phone calls either.That has to hurt.
Doh.
I am still waiting for the first return one from Ann Margret.
He was a solid player for the mediocre Pirate teams but they need to get better.They need power and that can come from a DH.
My computer statitstics say that he will hit 7 or 8 home runs this year.He will walk 70 times.He is no longer fast enough to be the leadoff man.
He is not making it easy for the Pirates like Tomlin did for the Steelers.Just retire Cutch.Let the Pirates salute you this year.You were an all time great Pirate who was a fairly classy player.
Go out the way that you played.
First class.
I can’t speak to the idea of Ann-Margaret returning your call but have to ask about Cutch being disgruntled over Marge taking over in CF.
I mean, this is news to me. Did she have speed? Good bat?
It kind of puts my idea of playing Stevie Nicks in RF in a new light. Thought it was a novel idea but apparently, not. Just who was this Marge?
Aw, you edited it. Marte!
Although, I liked the idea of Marge patrolling out there, whoever she was
I thought of Homer’s wife with the blue hair.
I did not know that it posted immediately.
I am just glad that someone is reading my numerous and sometimes voluminous posts!
Perfect guy for the Phillies to sign and mentor Justin Crawford.
There was no one nicer, kinder and more hard working than McCutchen when he was in Philly. I can see why Pirates fans have and always will love him.
From what I heard in Pittsburgh, he is just as great off the field as on it. I think his injury in 2019, coupled with Covid in 2020, cost him the Hall of Fame, he lost 200 late-peak games.
Phillies Pirates have 1 thing in common. They both wanted Schwarber at dh. No room for Cutch on a team with a dh unless a team thinks he can play outfield regularly.
Cutch is one of the classiest acts in the game. Loved him in Philly despite the injuries, and wanted him to stay. But going back to Pittsburgh was a terrific way to wrap up his career.
If he wants to play, then the Pirates are the spot for him. Selfishly, I would love to see him get one more year, but they have to be practical as well.
Practical is signing him. He is better than their other options and he will sell tickets.
I would love to have him back on the Phillies. He plays the game with such joy and flair, something that was sorely lacking in our 2024 team. And he had a .353 OBP against lefthanders last year, that is very good in today’s game.
To dh when Schwarber needs a day off? Pinch hit. He could still be a outfielder but pirates say he isn’t.
He would platoon with Brandon Marsh in left field. In my scenario he would be replacing Castellanos on the roster, and he’s certainly a better fielder than Castellanos.
Castellanos is a good fielder.
His problem is that he only covers ten square feet.
Cutch would be no better,and Nick has a better arm.
How long would he last in the field before getting hurt fairly badly?
His first year in Philadelphia he got hurt in the first half of the year just running the bases and was out the rest of the year.
It is rare that a baseball player can perform well in his very late 30’s.
Pirates treat Cutch like he is either awful or if he plays more than a few games he will break into a million pieces. If there was no doubt he could play the outfield I believe Pirates fans would want him back.
But if you wanted a platoon for Marsh well slightly above average Cutch is a poor choice. Refsnyder hit like a mvp against LHP. 300 average 900 something ops.
I hear ya. But Cutch has a better attitude.
Ok. Now I know you are just trolling. Castellanos was the worst defensive RF in baseball last season.
Over the last 4 seasons Cutch has been roughly average in RF. A tiny sample size, but relevant since he would not be playing FT there. The last time Cutch played enough innings for StatCast to give a measure of his arm, he was 2 mph faster and 6 percentile better than Castellanos. Cutch is far better than Castellanos even at 38-39 years old. .
Naw. Mendoza never trolls. I get that you’re a Cutch fan. No problem there. But if the Phillies were to want a trade that meant Bohm coming here with the caveat that Castellanos is part of it, I’m happy with it. In fact, it’s a no brainer
But since the Phillies missed out of a couple big time infielder signings, it’s likely not going to happen
I think it’s humorous we’re discussing Cutch versus Castellanos as outfielder options. How often would either be out there, really?
I’ve followed Cutch closely in his return to the Pirates. I generally watch every game although their apathetic play and pathetic offense made me find better things to do at times last season. You can carp all you like about the guy’s abilities and be another analytics guru with numbers that rarely tell the entire story, but ideally they need another bat. Either a guy who can hit 30 homers and drive in some runs, or a guy who is simply a good hitter who also knocks in runs and keeps the offense going
I don’t see Cutch being any of those descriptions but yeah, if they’re gonna go to Bradenton with this roster, sure, sign him. He was a ray of light last year. Not enough will have changed this coming year
Sorry Skip-Cutch has averaged 12 home runs over the last three years.
Nick has averaged 23.
Cutch has played a miniscule amount of games in the field even for a total of three years.
Nick has played an average of 155 each year.
Who has more of a chance a getting hurt and losing a season?
Cutch at 39 or Nick at 33?
I wasn’t trolling because I did say that Nick can only cover ten square feet.Do you believe that anyone who disagrees with you is a troll?
Are you that infantile and insecure?
And then you come up with some stupid stat about throwing velocity which even if accurate which I doubt but fits your specious arguement based on what,twelve throws from RF over a three year period?
Was that last relevant stat from four years ago?
Cutch is far better at 39 years old than Castellanos at 33!!!!!!
Are you really that stupid or just a Cutch lover?
Solid move. Give the fans a last season to send off an all time team great, the proper way!
i guess he wouldn’t be the worst player carried on a mlb roster by a long shot in 2026,
But these sad farewell tours.for these aging stars are pathetic..
Retire, be a part of the PirateS front office and don’t be remembered as this 39 year old weak side platoon bat.
He was like their 3rd 4th 5th best hitter last year. Look at their 40 man. Plenty of room for Cutch.
He wouldnt be the worst player on the Pirates roster. He would again be one of their top 3 or 4 bats. That lineup is awful.
We are debating about paying $3M -$5M for Cutch in his age 39 season and if there is any value in doing so. Keep in mind that players like Judge, Soto, Guerrero & Schwarber will all be making $35M+ in their age 39 seasons. How crazy is that? (Schwarber might be age 38 at the end of his deal, but still)..
Teams that have Judge, Soto, Guerrero & Schwarber aren’t owned by Bob Nutting.
They are also in gigantic markets.
McCutchen seems like such a humble, earnest class act,,,,reminds me of Mr. Tiger (Al Kaline)….Good luck and much respect to him WHATEVER happens….
Yeah a guy pointing at CF and mouthing “my spot” in front of the home crowd after returning to the spot when Marte got injured is super humble. Last week he was hassling fans about “being on his coattails” for saying he can no longer play OF which stats and Cherington roster management proves out. Cherington _loves_ playing crap defenders out of position and if he won’t play Cutch out there, avert your eyes.
Gets in lil Twitter fights taking things out of context or twisting them to fit his false narrative. But he isn’t exposing his junk or fighting fans so pretty top notch guy.
He was critical about the team at the end of the year and my guess is that Nutting did not appreciate it.
He also wants them to move the left field fence in.
I see it in Philadelphia with Harper.These guys start thinking that they are running the team after awhile.
How about Harper wanting a contract extension lol haha lmao
He wanted that two years ago.He would ask for one to play until he is 50.
Dombrowski sort of swept it under the table.
He was miffed because his contract total was no longer the highest.
I had no problem with guys like Judge and Ohtani.They are all time greats.But Tucker and Bichette?
Hopefully,the owners are ready to cancel the whole year next year because there are several of them that just do not care about the League.
Is he better than what they have on the current roster? Yes, provided he’s happy as a bench bat and part time DH.
But there are a few better players out there still available. So while it shocks me to agree with Cherington’s approach, it does make sense. Seems like they have some money marked for someone, and if they don’t sign, Cutch is a consolation prize. If they can get a Suarez or even or an Ozuna, and they’re trying to get a wild card, it’s really hard to justify Cutch.
Who is better? Who will sign for the $2-5 million the Pirates have to spend? They definitely won’t be signing Geno or Ozuna. So Who exactly is better?
If they want to compete for the division they need both of those players.
Compete for division! Nutting sure did serve you up a heck of a batch of 3 rivers kool aid!
Sign these 2 old dh who’s numbers are really likely to plummet. Throw one of them out at 3b and hope for the best. And we compete for division!!!!!!
Nutting trades for a 1 year rental dh to throw out at 2b. Pays 18m a year for someone who plays the same position of our best hitter 1b. Now just need to sign 2 old washed dh and we can take the division!!!!
I love you Mendoza. You know that right? Just amusing myself.
Hey Travis Williams. If you cant convince the cheapest owner in sports to spend 40 million more than he’s ever spent to get these 2 old washed dh so we can win division I am going to hold you accountable!!!!
Instead of signing whatever old washed lefty no other team in baseball wants and we sign Valdez instead we can win the world series!
@Theman3 you pre order your playoff tickets yet?
Where’s Jim Mora at when we need him
No, Dream, I have not attended a game at PNC Park since 2008 and I am unlikely to until nutting opens up his wallet and puts a contender on the field
Problem is, even those guys are better than going with Triolo and Nick at 3rd. At present they’d have a hard time competing for a wild card. I’d have hoped for Mendoza’s plan to poach Bohm and Castellanos but I don’t see the Phillies trading guys now
Coaching lower level college football teams and still wondering where he went wrong
I don’t know how the allure of pierogi races, hot dog launches and bring you dog to the ballpark nights haven’t broken you down yet, my friend.
They are not going to compete for a WC even with both of those players, let alone the division,. They are a 75-76 win team. They are touting the fact that they have increased payroll this season, so there is no way they are adding $35-40 million more to sign those two.
Hold on, Fungo. My predictions have been on target for three straight seasons. A little too early to jump into the predictions game. They need a 3rd baseman so I’m expecting Cherington to sign a couple catchers because “they’re affordable”. It never fails
Truth is, as they sit right now I think they struggle to hit .500
I said compete.
Something we Pirates fans have not seen except for three years for 33 years.
And yes,as usual,you may be very well be right about Suarez and Osuna.But if they can get them at the Pirates prices Nutting owes it to the fans to do so.They are close to the last viable ones left.
And hopefully Skenes is in his ear.
And hopefully Cherington keeps up his hot streak.
And hopefully you know that you and Washed and Paul are still my favorite posters.
Nick is still on the table.
Just money will get him.
And how about that AI GM who runs circles around us old guys with all of that posting energy!
I think that Travis is part of the problem rather than part of the solution.
I think that he has a negative WAR.
Probably a negative 2.0 over the six years.
He owes Nutting $16 M.
Fungo may very well be the sad sack troll who comes off as a Pirates fan.
Some posters just have to be negative in order to get reactions from other posters.
He may be one of them.
If they’re only willing to spend $2-5M then yes, Cutch makes sense.
If they’re willing to bump to $110M total payroll, then there are trade candidates for the left side of the infield and/or DH candidates out there that would both fit under that budget. Austin Hays is still out there, I believe. Guys like that who are younger and can play the field without falling apart.
The Pirates brass are already saying, “SEE we have a payroll higher this year than last year. Aren’t we good boys?”. They are about as high as they are going to go. Austin Hays is going to get 2/24 or more. Out of the Pirates budget and only a marginal improvement over Cutch. Hays will not get them in the playoffs or sell one more ticket. Cutch won’t get them in the playoffs either, but people will pay to see his farewell tour.
Fungo-How do you know that Cutch will not pull the same crap next year if he plays this year?
Cutch doesn’t want to be the primary DH and he shouldn’t be but you cant tell me that this team is good enough to NOT need his bat. he’s still better than anyone who will be on our bench in 2026. Definitely a place for him
The team is good enough to NOT need his bat. Just told ya!
The Pirates are good enough to pull up into 4th place in the Central. As of today their O/U is 75.5 wins. As of today, Cutch would be the 4th best bat in their lineup. He would be their 2nd best bat vs LHP. They need his bat coming off the bench.
No they do not need his -0.1 fWAR coming off the bench. He would be a wonderful addition to the Pirates coaching staff at this point 39 years young. The Pirates will sign Eugenio Suárez and win a Wild Card spot in 2026. Book it!
Projected fWAR for 2026
McCutch 0.1; Eugenio Suárez 2.6
Horwitz 1.7
Lowe 2.0
Reynolds 1.5
O’Hearn 1.3 (haters!)
Gonzales 1.5
Cruz 2.7 (dreamers!)
Triolo 1.7
Mangum 0.6 (haters again)
Bart 1.0 (haters thrice)
Davis 0.9
Yorke 0.3
Jhostynxon Garcia 0.1 (23 yr old)
Suwinski 0.3
Assume-If they sign Suarez they will compete for a wild card spot.
Let’s not Assume too much!
I’m hoping for a 3rd Pirates vs Orioles WS with the Orioles finally winning one, I assume you’re on board with that 😉
Those Oriole teams were great teams.
I think that the 71 team had the four 20 game winners.
My best friend from college when I met him I thought that he was a knucklehead as he lived in Pa in Lancaster but rooted for the Orioles.I grew up north of Pittsburgh.
As you are well they were both hard fought series each going seven games when both teams could afford to have the several stars that are necessary to win a WS.
Neither team deserved to lose.
And,yes,I would love to see it,but big money has taken over the sport.This is an awful statement but I do hope that the 2027 season is sacrificed if that is what it takes for baseball to have the equality among teams that the other three sports have.
Good luck to your O’s and I am glad that the territory issues have been settled to my knowledge.
When his 0.1 bWAR makes him the best option, they do need him coming off the bench. There is no one better in the system or that will sign for the $2-5 million Cutch will.
You have a better shot at winning an Olympic Gold Medal in the downhill and in the 100 meter dash in consecutive games than the Pirates have of adding 3/60 to their payroll.
Not sure what projections you are using, but they really do not matter since the Pirates won’t sign Suarez or anyone that had a better OPS+ or wRC+ than Cutch did last season.
If they sign Suarez they will improve by 1-1.5 wins. Still not close to a WC spot.
Fungo- You evidently have poor reading comprehension if your post is directed at me.
I have said that Suarez is worth $35-40M to the Pirates for two years.
Your 3/$60 refers to a three year contract at $20M per year which I do not think that he is worth.I have been very consistent with that statement.
Or perhaps you just make things up.
Anyone who thinks a healthy Suarez will mean only 1.5 more wins is delusional
Both my folks were from Pittsburgh area (McKeesport, but don’t tell no one lol) and I remember as a youngster in my grandma’s kitchen listening to the Pirates games on the radio (KDKA I think). Fingers crossed and hoping the small market teams rise up in 2026 and beyond…
@Skip “When his 0.1 bWAR makes him the best option” it doesn’t make him the best option, especially at 2 to 5M. Time to coach ’em up. Hard to move on, but it’s time IMO.
McKeesport was a much different place back in the day. I remember it well, and remember The Daily News. Times change, but yours is no disgrace
McKeesport was one of the municipalities that got us through World War 2.
I wonder whether we would have that same capability now.
library.fangraphs.com/offense/wrc/
they don’t need it.
Love the player but it’s time.
Con te partiro.
Swiss Miss instant cocoa?
If it’s the Pirates or retire for Cutch then I don’t know why both sides wouldn’t just readily agree to a coaching position?
It’s clear he loves this team and city and he won’t have to appear discarded right when the front office wants to put in some effort to compete. He probably doesn’t even need a specific title, he could just be there for the vibes
At this point he has too much pride to only want to play and is miffed at the Pirates to be looking elsewhere for a DH.
He would not want to coach for a few years,if then,and maybe not with the Pirates.
Love Cutch – but if he makes the roster, it is a poor commentary on the Pirates 40 man squad. I do prefer him over Suinski – but neither suggest the team is ready to compete.
Don’t do it, time to move on. Turn over a new leaf etc etc etc
Thw pirates can’t move on if they resign him for another season. Sure, he is a fan favorite for an entire generation but it is not worth signing him at age 39 to take up a roster spot. All the yinzers will complain that the pirates do nothing to get better and Nutting is cheap blah blah blah, but the same yinzers will be mad if Cutch isn’t resigned to just take up space because of nostalgia. Give the roster spot to someone younger and try and plan for the future, not another trip down memory lane.
Who exactly would he be blocking? That team is awful. Cutch’s 95 OPS+ was 3rd best in the team. There is no one better to take his roster spot.
As stated below, the addition of O’Hearn makes DH a crowded area because Horwitz is already here.They can’t both play 1st It’s accepted that they need one more bat. If it’s not a position player like Suarez, then what?
I like Cutch. But is he gonna hit 20+ homers and knock in a goodly share of runs at this point?
They are not getting Geno. They are not getting Ozuna.
Yeah yeah. They weren’t getting Lowe or O’Hearn either.
They need Geno and Ozuna.
Give them the benefit of the doubt.
Show some class.
The offer to Schwarber was probably for show,but sometimes you better watch what you wish for because you might get it.
Give them credit for the additions that they have made this year.
And I have to believe that they know that they need at least one but probably two more good hitters to compete for the division.
And maybe Geno and Ozuna have overvalued themselves and it is getting late so maybe they come back to reality.
You may be washed up old timer but your mind is still as clear as a bell!
Nutting can give Suarez Ozuna deferrals!!!!
Or Triolo can play 3b at minimum wage
For 20 years Nutting was Mr Burns sell the team sell the team. Now he’s the jurassic Park guy will spare no expense!
They aren’t spending 3/60+ for Suarez because they already spent on O’Hearn and Lowe The GM said that they were ready to go to camp a few days ago. Does that sound like they are spending more money? Get over it. Nutting is cheap and the team payroll is already over their spending last season. Unless they sign Cutch, they are done.
They are not getting either Suarez or Ozuna. It doesn’t matter what they need. All that matters is that Nutting has already allowed Cherington to increase spending by bringing in O’Hearn and Lowe. They made offers to a star player they knew would be surpassed by other teams strictly for PR purposes so Nutting could say “see, we tried.”
Cutch would still be one of the better hitters on the team even with those 2 additions. They will still be at home watching other teams in the playoffs come the beginning of October.
Cherington said Horwitz would not be the everyday DH. Next excuse for not signing Cutch?
It depends if they bring in another bat who isn’t a 3rd baseman. Then what? You have O’Hearn and Horwitz taking turns and now another guy
I’m fine with Cutch
But if they sign him, I’m taking it they’re done with signings and trades
Hearn can play some outfield
Cherington said they were ready to go to camp. I am guessing that means they are done now. Cutch would be icing on the cake to sell a few more tickets
You may get your wish if they do not sign anyone else but I would be very surprised if Cutch would sign for $2M.
I’ll take Chico over Gonzales Yorke Cook Suwinski. Cherington has a lot of work to do before I would kick Cutch to the curb.
Cutch is everything good in baseball, but time has come. What about Yoshida from Boston. He can hit. Bats LH though. Pirates would pay 5M for Cutch, pay 10M (of 18) for Yoshida and have Boston pay 8M each of next 2 years.
Yoshida twice as good as Cutch. He better be if twice as expensive. No one wants the Yoshida bobblehead either.
Yoshida – 93 OPS+
Cutch – 95 OPS+
Keep talking like this and I’ll think you’ve finally rewatched Mr Baseball
I tried watching it one time and gave up. Bored out of my mind.
I remember though mlb network used to or maybe still does play baseball movies and it was like always Mr baseball. Same 1 clip too. “Japan!!!! I can’t go to Japan!!!!!” The only thing I remember about the movie.
I like the major league guy better. “You have no marbles “
I think more MLB players than ever are heading for Japan. I thank Tom Selleck for this. I have no doubt his characterization as Jack Elliott deserved an Academy Award And Ken Tackikura as Uchiyama? Correcting holes in swings and providing life lessons you could certainly use, AI
AI-Yoshida bobble heads are still very popular in Japan and very valuable.
Toshida like Endy, can’t stay healthy
Fan favorite. Great guy. A player pretty much every baseball fan would love to see win a ring.
Perhaps he can be a coach of some sort because he’s pretty limited as a player at this stage.
He can still play or well hit or well walk. He can still walk. That will keep in league another year.
No. Problem is they aren’t spending. Needed a Bregman or one of the Japanese at 3b. Needed Burrows for depth but couldn’t beat 20m a year for Polanco. Need Caratini but need that $ to get a backup outfielder and 5th starter.
I was really hoping they would sign one of the Japanese 3B.
Will any Japanese do at 3rd? I hear Tokyo is pretty crowded.
On the Pirates yeah I think just about anyone would improve the position!
And it’s all because of Mr Baseball
All Pirates fans love Cutch me included but it is time to move on. sign Suarez to play third maybe bring in Ozuna to DH against lefties and with the pitching they have boom they are a playoff contender no doubt!!!!!
Who will they be no doubt better than? Not LA CHI NY. Phi ATL SD MIL CIN are likely better or just as a good. Pirates more Arz SF Mia tier.
If they get Ozuna and Suarez and barring major injuries they will compete for the division championship.
That is what certain older gentlemen posters want,and would be happy if they have a winning team who is trying to win and hustles.
Everyone knows that the Pirates will not beat out teams like the Dodgers.But they can try to win the division for the first time since George Bush was president.
The elder George Bush.
I always said Nutting will spend when he needs to but this would destroy Nutting record and would threaten the most amount of $ a small market team has ever spent. And those teams had years of over 2 million attendance 2.5m even and playoff revenue. Oh and everyone still had cable TV.
Nutting 1.7m attendance Half the TV deal.
Like I am thinking old washed LHP 8m or less. Outfield depth or platoon 5m or less.
If they get Suarez Ozuna people need to buy billboards celebrating have such a wonderful owner Bob Nutting. Keep the team keep the team
Hall of Famer? What do you think.
Pirates hall of fame. Other one if they ever run out of options. Cutch shouldn’t have hustled and hurt his knee and maybe he would have made it.
He tried to be Josh Harrison on the basepaths and make a very quick U-turn to evade a tag.
I think that the same thing would happen if they put him in the outfield.
The way the Pirates treat him I expect something out of Monty python if he tries playing the outfield.
I was glad that no one gave Rowdy or Vogelbach one more wafer thin mint.
For crying out loud, people need to stop thinking guys with 200 HR and 1,500 hits should be in the HOF. The HOF is already a joke.
332 homers and 2300+ hits
get your facts straight
He should of said 300 hrs and 2000k hits n 1 mvp
Cutch as a coach, not taking at bats from anyone.
Cutch is a class act. The fans in Pittsburgh love him. Give him a retirement tour in 2026 Nutting. Its not like there is anyone on that team that you have to be worried about him taking at bats away from.
I like Cutch. Good man. Good player in his time here. Lives here. And if they have room for him, sure, keep him
But they need another big bat, a run producer. I hope they’re still looking in this direction. If that’s a Suarez who can play 3rd, great. But if not, you either have a logjam at DH with that new bat—and sometimes with O’Hearn—or you have a team that is vying for .500 and struggling to get a WC berth after never getting that other bat
Time will tell, I guess
yes they need to sign another player or two but recent history shows they aren’t going to
Spring training is less than a month away. The choices are dwindling to make an impact on this season
Cutch has stated numerous times he’s happy to play OF throughout the year to get in the lineup. His defensive numbers were also fine when he did ask to play OF when Reynolds was hurt. His leadership is invaluable and his bat and glove would improve the team over the alternatives. It’s a no brainer to get him re-signed, especially if it’s for a similar or smaller salary compared to the last 2 years.
The guys on their roster that play lots of positions all hit RH (Yorke, Triolo and Flores). Endy can switch hit.
Cutchs bat still plays against LHP but he can’t play C, IF or CF.
Sounds like you’re prescribing a role as a pinch hitter and once a week DH. Does that jibe with his interest?
Let’s say they sign Suarez, despite BaseballistheBest’s ear to the rail, above. Ok. Problem solved. Let’s say they get Ozuna. Again, I hope BaseballistheBest (above) will pardon me.
Then what? Where does Cutch fit?
The bottom line is that they have agreed that they need another bat. There are still bats out there. But if they’re not 3rd basemen, how does Cutch fit, beyond being a good PR vehicle?
Anyone watch the pirates fest clown show. Williams we are committed to making playoffs. We are accountable. Fans need to hold us accountable. Multiple times. Shows how stupid he is. Fans didn’t want a hockey guy hired in first place. Wanted management fired year years yearss ago. Hey dum as. Remember covering the Roberto tribute sign with a vodka advertisement? Remember the bucco bricks? Fans been holding you accountable. Just fire this clown. Don’t replace him. Just fire him. At least don’t let him open his mouth in public.
He’s here as the business manager, that’s all. You’re right, all that’s coming out of his mouth is propaganda but in reality, he’s here to make the business decisions. It’s why he was hired
He counts on the fact that nowadays people have short memories. Turn the page to a new controversy to mull over, rinse and repeat.
If any franchise needed good PR it’s this one and as such, the headline here doesn’t surprise me. Might as well bring Neil Walker back, too
They need another bat and while I like Cutch, he’s not the remedy.
I like Cutch too but when you have to give your DH cudos for walking it is time to get a new DH.
Williams will be gone when they sack Cherington.
Not if they sign Suarez Ozuna they won’t be gone!
Nor should they,although Cherington at least has a positive WAR.
Love to see them sign Ozuna (if he’ll take a one year prove it deal) and let Horwitz and O’Hearn take their turns in LF. But if that’s not in the cards Cutch for DH duties more limited to just facing LHP (if he’s amenable to it) isn’t the worst plan going given his history with the club.
Great career he has had. It makes a lot of sense for them to bring him back for another year. It would be a team friendly deal and he is such a great mentor and presence in the clubhouse
That great presence has not resulted in wins.
But look at the team that’s been assembled around him. This year when their great pitching is finally ripening, a #1 prospect is on the cusp and they’re importing Lowe, O’Hearn etc, it must be frustrating for him to witness. If they don’t sign another big bat, they should agree to a more limited platoon role for him.
And p.s. fair is fair McCutcheon has already made 140 million in his career if he wants back he should agree to veteran’s minimum.
Just make him a coach, which is what he probably winds up being anyways. Truth is there a bargain basement franchise that doesn’t particularly care much for the fans.
It’s Suarez OR Cutch
Anyone who still thinks theyre signing Suarez thinks they actually want to contend for a title
They just want to sneak into the playoffs as cheap as possible
Cutch + a 3B under 5 mil + a SP under 2 mil
Goku- You may be the knowledgeable one on this statement but they have made three very positive strides plus a fourth extremely high offer.
Those of us who have been in the wasteland for all but three years of 33 have been given hope that they have changed their tune.
We have been jilted many times before.
They made a good start to the off season but they shine the best at the end of the off season when the bargain basement deals are made.
The Pirates are not putting out 3/60+ for Suarez. Its Cutch or worse for the $2-3 million they might spend.
Cutch will want $5 M and no less
I would say you were right except Cutch said otherwise. That little spot you take up in his mind must be more powerful than the rest of his thoughts and words.
That little spot in my mind is ten times the size of the vacuum in yours.
Class has nothing to do with it.
Pirates fans have been very patient for thirty years.
If they do not win at least 82 games this year Cherington must finally be shown the door.
And Cutch is not going to get him there.
Franchise over player. The tribe has spoken. See ya Cutch. Your love and representation of Pittsburgh has been truly special. Real class act. But this drunk driving wife beater will hit a few more hrs so see ya Cutch.
True he isnt going to get them there but every club needs at least one guy like him on their team. As you say, in a platoon role. He is obviously highly regarded by the guys around him and management.
It wouldn’t cost them much and if they can pick up at least one more solid every day guy, they just may stand a chance at a wild card spot.
Pirates fans will have to be patient a while longer. The team has no shot at contending in 2026. If there is a season, in 2027 14 players including Skenes will get more expensive in arbitration, so they will trade away a few like O’Hearn or others with contracts like his to keep payroll around $100 million. Then after 2027 Skenes will be traded away and any shot at contending in the near future will be gone.
Maybe a miracle will happen in the CBA negotiations and owners will agree to financial parity and transparency as well as a salary floor and the Pirates will finally have the money and be forced to spend. Do you think that will happen? I would love that but I am not holding my breath waiting for it to happen. When it doesn’t, the Pirates will go back to being what we have watched the past decade.
They aren’t any good so won’t get that much more expensive. A lot of $ coming off books.
Skip is a lot of fun at parties.
If they are truly going to compete this year, his leadership on the bench is prob huge. But I also do believe that they should move on and continue to build on what they have been doing. They claim they were gonna spend money, go get a dude. Even if it’s a pitcher. Then trade from that depth to get a legit hitter. Idk… I just feel for pirates fans
His leadership last year consisted of doing dugout dances with the guys. He’s not that kind of personality. I like Cutch, and maybe he leads by example or how he carries himself. But I have seen and read nothing that tells me he’s the grizzled veteran pulling kids aside and providing pointers.
I wish that I could dance as well as he does.
I think that it is beneficial to have someone as experienced as him and who is pretty much a people person on the team.
That said those who think that he will want to retire and be a coach and mentor are naive.That aspect has not been noted as you have said in your post and if it had occurred we would all know about it.
Cutch has the pride to be want to be a key part of the team and it has enabled him to be a fine all time player.It has helped him to be a successful part of an unsuccessful team.
But his best bet would be to gracefully retire while we still have fond memories of him.
Looking into production, I am surprised that Andrew McCutchen voices any complaints about the team. Since 2018, Andrew McCutchen has been just lingering as a shell of his former self. How many seasons of declining production do you need before you finally hang up your cleats and not be a detriment to the team?
Outside the uncompetitive nature of the Pirates during the years since 2018, Andrew McCutchen would have been replaced long ago. Think that fan draw of Andrew McCutchen has been vastly overstated. Want to actually see his merchandise sales etc in chronological order to believe it means much to the Pirates.
Swear with the Pirates improving from within, Andrew McCutchen will demand another season etc and continue to attach himself like a leech.
NY- Sorry,but the last word is more than harsh.
Unfortunately,the rest of your post is mostly accurate.
It’s difficult to know how effective McCutchen could be on a team that actually has good hitters. He has walked a LOT over the last few years, most likely because he was one of their most competent hitters and someone terrible was right behind him. Maybe in this lineup, he see more hittable pitches? He’s a cheap bench player, so why not give him the opportunity?
Cutch can be a platoon DH and a Sunday Starter. Something that isn’t mentioned is that last year he earned 5M. Should probably be much less than that. Allow the team to sign you for 2M to be a specific role player and let’s enjoy the farewell parade
This
Yes I agree. If he comes back at $2-3M as a bench bat I’m all for it!
Guy won’t hang it up-it’s not on a club to keep re-signing him out of obligation. Peace offer is 1 year league minimum for farewell tour. If he’s insulted to not get more-best wishes.
Minor league spring invite!
You are a bad man,a very very bad man.
Maybe they don’t bring him back and get last wild card and actually win a playoff game this season because he has been a jinx. I don’t consider him anything more than a player whose played long time. The day anyone thinks he should be in HOF will not be very good.
“It’s not the first time the veteran has alluded to his unsigned status …” Mr. Polishuk, there’s no allusion here at all. He made a direct statement on the matter. The word “allusion” actually has a meaning and if you’re a professional writer, you should acquaint yourself with it. Be grateful, I’ve provided copy-editing service for you free of charge.
lol. What a baby. Don’t be bitter. Be better
Slider: I keep trying but the closer one gets to perfection the more difficult it is to improve.
He is a prime example of an aging veteran player who retains the baseball skill set enough that his end of year numbers look fine on paper, but his game over game peripherals that tell the true story are quite brutal and he’s replacement level at best.
If he wants to come back on a token $1M or league minimum of $780k, I am sure the Pirates might entertain it, but he is no longer worth even a “token” $5M a year for what he provides and he would be taking up a roster spot, taking away AB’s and defensive experience from a prospect that might be able to establish themselves in the big leagues if not for McCutchen hanging on.
Most players who retire can ostensibly play baseball at a professional level even when they retire- it’s just a question of “is the reduced playing time, the reduced salary, the reduced consistency when playing, etc. worth it to the player or teams at that point?” and for McCutchen, if he just wants to play baseball, there are outlets.
If he wants a healthy mid-seven figure salary, I think those days are over.
Name checks out
Did you give a $#!+ about the Pirates or their fans when you left for more money? No, it’s a business deal? Well that’s a two way street. It’s their turn to do business.
@chasingtime he got traded…
I would have loved that comment in the early/mid 90’s, when Bonds hit the highway for a big payout
Did the pirates even try to match it? Could they afforded to? And why would he stay on that sinking ship.
The ship largely sunk only because Bonds and guys like Drabek found greener pastures. And no, the Pirates played the poor card even back then
My email to McCuthen if I’m the Phillies front office.
Cutch,
You helped us get this thing started back in 2019 and let’s finish it in 2026 together. We have opportunity for you to get a ring and an opportunity in the outfield mix. We value your leadership for our up and coming young guys and your relationship with the veterans is what they need coming off a disappointing postseason season from a classy pro and former MVP like you. Attached is a contract and the schedule for the Phillies winter fan tour before Spring Training. Pick the dates you want to be there and we’ll get you there and have a #22 Jersey waiting. Hope to hear from you soon!
If that was true why let him go to Milwaukee. But you can have Cutch
I hear ya, I think in 2022, the Phillies probably wanted to put money into other guys and Cutch might have wanted more that was going to be offered but now if the price is right and he doesn’t mind a small role, go for it.
This is Cutch.Thank you Dave for giving me this opportunity again.I valued my years with the Phillies and this will give me an opportunity to end my career with a good team who actually wants me.
We agreed on a modest raise to $6M a year with my option after 3 years.
I believe that I can play until I am 50 but will request to have to limit my number of games in the outfield by then to 130.
And thanks to libertybell444 for believing in me even though walking is now my best attribute.
The fact that he wants to shame and bully the pirates into giving him a mercy contract is rather depressing on a number of levels plus has he not met or understood the organization that he currently plays for?
Veteran’s minimum I’d say, he’s already made 138 million, 15 of it in the previous 3 largely unproductive seasons.
McCutcheon feels good but the truth is Ozuna, Hoskins, Hays or Marte probably make more FA sense or a trade of some excess pitching (if there ever is such a thing) to Baltimore for some of their truly excess nowhere to put them bats of theirs. Coby Mayo has just turned 24, has destroyed minor league pitching and has started to look like he was figuring out major league stuff. Plus Mountcastle, O’Niell, Kjerstad or however you spell that name, somebody has to go.
As a Cubs fan I hope the Pirates do whatever they need to do to keep their cute little team at the bottom of the NL Central and out of harm’s way.
I’ve always respected Cutch, though. Good dude and great player in his day.
Why would a cubs fan worry about the Pirates
For a fan of a team that’s won one WS in what, 112 years, that’s a cute little post.
Now hes playing the victim?
if a team is trying to move up and be better and potentially contend (which it seems to me the Pirates are) then they need to make the hard decisions not only on signing players but letting them go. Not bringing McCutcheon back is the right decision, the wrong decision was not telling him last August/September. Offer him a position in the organization just not the roster.
Where in this article is there any mention of the Pirates being open to signing McCutcheon?
the title
The guy had a 3 year farewell tour and it’s time for him to hang up his cleats. His production is down and is just taking up a spot.
His production was at the top of that sorry 2025 team. Only 2 players better. Even with the addition of O’Hearn and Lowe he is still the 4th best hitter on the team. I guess its ok not to even pay attention to the team when you are a Pirates fan and you are certain your team is going to be far closer to the bottom of the heap than the top every year. I guess after a decade of pulling up the tail end of the train, people that claim to be Pirates fans have just tuned the team out.
Cutch would have some good games in consecutive manner, then Shelton would sit him for 3 or 4 games. Perfect sense to sit your hottest hitter down. The guy might need a rest.
Agree about the additions of Lowe and O’Hearn
Can’t count on Reynolds anymore. Cruz hasn’t been able to get out of his own way.
I’m looking forward to the analytics crowd here telling you that what you see game in and game out isn’t real.
Would it have been inappropriate to have invited him to Piratefest? Explain to me why?
Nutting F’s up even more when it comes to Cutch. Just get him signed. There is no one better on that team that he is going to block and there is no one on the FA market that is cheap enough that the Pirates will sign that is better.
Find someone better.
He is not worth the $5m at this point.He will not play for less.
A good team does not have a designated HITTER whose best attribute is walking.That is especially true for a team that was last in the Major Leagues in home runs by far.
The Pirates are better off at this point to use it as a revolving door as many teams now do and to provide hitting opportunities for young players.
You are persistent. Persistently wrong. There is no one better. Not at that price point. The Pirates will not spend for better. The team is already saying, “Look at us! We spent more than last year!!” No one is saying Cutch would be the day to day DH, just a bench bat. What is wrong with you?
Yet another guy who has an in with the front office. It’s almost funny. Like another guy who keeps posting that he’s sorry for Pirates fans because the team will NOT spend for whomever, you keep banging this same drum
First off, you don’t know. I’m sure you had doubts they’d do anything substantial this off season. I know I did. But here we are. Given what they’ve done already, I have to think they’re aware they need another bat. I would not be surprised by them making a run at someone
Secondly, you keep cheerleading for Cutch
I watch all the games. Do you? He was one of their better hitters last year. That’s not saying much
Having watched Cutch since he came up, I thought this past season demonstrated that he was in decline. In comparison to the previous year, it was a marked difference.
Skip is like a broken record Washed.
I feel sorry for him.
He grovels in his negativity.
For some reason he is strongly attached to McCutcheon.
Maybe he is part of his family.
I do not think that Cutch would be happy with a Debbie Downer like Skip.
He’s been in Pittsburgh for 12 years, was good for half of them. I get he’s the most iconic Pirate since the Bonds/Bonilla era but he’s not Pujols, Molina or Cabrera. They have no obligation to bring back an old DH when they should be giving young players big league experience.
I’m torn. I want McCutchen on the team to jolt this team for contention…. I LOVE HIS LEADERSHIP AND PERSONALITY.
But his bat took a step back last year… and by August he was out of the regular lineup
Did cutch just compare himself to a list of first ballot HoFers? Eek
I really hope the Pirates and Andrew can work things out. I believe the fans believe McCutchen IS the Pirates. Maybe he will announce his retirement year as a Goodbye to his fans. A Wonderful thing for Both parties involved.
I think the McCutcheon stuff is being a bit overdone by all concerned. This kind of gooey sentimentality, if it is ever justified, ought to be reserved for a player who spent his entire career with the same team. McCutcheon did not. The Pirates were happy to say goodbye to him before, and they should be happy to say goodbye to him again. As for Pirates fans, the fact that they are hugging this itinerant so hard only underscores how slim the pickings have been overall in Pittsburgh for a long time.
I don’t really care if they bring him back or not but will say that if they do bring in another big bat, it would likely be the end for him here
That said, I think you’re off with your reasoning here. Cutch is something of sports deity here. He lives here. He’s seen at other sporting events. He’s seen at social events. Pittsburghers like that.
It’s rare nowadays. And he’s a good guy
You write of not spending his entire career here. That wasn’t his choice. You minimize his contributions while seeming to forget he was an integral part of the last Pirates “glory era”
Calling him an “itinerant” is laughable.
Perhaps the Pirates were happy to say goodbye to him as you claim, but they’re smart enough that they’ve dug themselves a deep hole with fans over the past few years. As if losing wasn’t enough, they’ve repeatedly shot themselves in the foot and the way this is going, look to do so again no matter what decision they make
Simply put, you’re wrong about the guy as a player and his value. And the Pirates should have put a little more foresight into things
Foresight means thinking ahead,and that is something that the Pirates are not especially good at.
Alan- Gooey is applicable to half the Pirate fans but not the other half.
Fans were not happy that he left but understood that he was not going to get a three year $50M contract from the Pirates.
He is the last connection to a three year long era when they had the second best record in all of MLB.
They will not be happy to see him go unless he says really dumb things that tarnish his history in Pittsburgh.