PIRATES

Andrew McCutchen isn’t among the players assembling in Bradenton, Fla. for the start of spring training, but I’ve been told that there has been continuous communication between the Pirates and McCutchen’s representation. 

That communication has been ongoing throughout the winter and even continued recently before the Marcell Ozuna signing, a move that seems to signify a reunion with McCutchen is unlikely at the moment. Ozuna is expected to serve as the team’s regular designated hitter, the same role McCutchen filled the last three seasons. 

Ben Cherington said at PiratesFest that the Pirates have “so much respect” for McCutchen and that the relationship between the two sides is important to them. He also said direct communication with McCutchen would continue “as the team comes together,” suggesting that they were prioritizing other offseason pursuits. 

McCutchen has appeared disgruntled with how things have gone this winter, expressing his disappointment on social media and even removing his profile photo, one in which he was donning a Pirates uniform, on his X account following the Ozuna signing. 

Despite the team going in a different direction, it doesn’t seem like they’re completely shutting the door on the possibility of a reunion in the future. But both sides would have to be interested in making that happen.