Andrew McCutchen's absence from Pittsburgh Pirates Fan Day causes disappointment; publicly expresses hope to continue through the 2026 season

Throughout the offseason, Andrew McCutchen's future with the Pittsburgh Pirates has been up in the air. With spring training nearing, this key team figure has been more direct in his social media statements.

Yesterday, McCutchen shared his disappointment on social media about missing the Pirates' annual fan event, PiratesFest, and clearly expressed his strong desire to keep playing, writing: "Unless they tear the jersey off me (I’m not giving up)."

Currently a free agent, McCutchen's absence from the event drew attention. During the fan day’s "management Q&A" session, General Manager Ben Cherington was asked about the team’s status with McCutchen and responded: "What’s great about Pittsburgh fans is your deep affection for those who have made significant contributions to the team. Andrew means a lot to us; he achieved remarkable success during both his stints with the Pirates. His status as a Pirates legend is undeniable, and everyone in the organization hopes to maintain a strong long-term relationship with him."

"But we also have to focus on the current roster. Our mission is to build a team that can consistently win home games in June and July, which is the core of our work. Therefore, this offseason’s moves have centered on how to help the team win more games than in previous seasons, and that principle will continue to guide our decisions."

"We hold Andrew in high regard and value our relationship with him greatly. As the roster takes shape, we will keep communication with him open and direct. There is still work to be done."

Although this response did not explicitly hint at a reunion, it seemed to leave the door open. Previously, McCutchen had posted several times on social media: on January 17, he replied with a GIF of checking missed calls to former teammate Michael McKenry’s support for his re-signing; on January 19, he refuted claims about his defensive shortcomings.

McCutchen made a clearer statement in response to a local media commentary based on Cherington’s remarks: "I wonder if the Cardinals ever treated (Adam) Wainwright / (Albert) Pujols / (Yadier) Molina this way? Did the Dodgers treat (Clayton) Kershaw like this? Did the Tigers treat (Miguel) Cabrera like this? The examples are endless."

“If this is my final season, I would have wanted to meet fans one last time as a player, to personally thank them for their support over the years, shake the hands of young fans, and embrace those loyal supporters who have been with the team since the Roberto Clemente era. This means far more than baseball itself! It’s much more important than debating roster spots or backing opinions with statistics. Fans at least deserve that chance.”

“Right now, I don’t know what the future holds, but I do know this: even at 39 and nearing the end of my career, I work every day to be better than I was last year. If I didn’t have the burning desire to keep playing, I could comfortably enjoy family life, and no one would question or be surprised.”

“But now is not the time. No matter what labels you put on me, I still have unfinished business, and I’m not done yet. Unless they tear the jersey off me, my future is not written by you but decided by God.”

McCutchen returned to the Pirates before the 2023 season, mainly serving as a designated hitter. During the offseason, the Pirates acquired 2025 All-Star Ryan O'Hearn and Brandon Lowe via trade. Along with Spencer Horwitz remaining on the roster, playing time at the designated hitter spot is already tight for the new season, despite all three being left-handed hitters. Over the past three seasons, McCutchen has only played 20 games in the outfield.

As the 2013 National League MVP and five-time All-Star, McCutchen spent 12 of his 17 Major League seasons with the Pirates. He expressed multiple times last year his desire to continue playing in 2026, and his recent statements indicate that determination remains strong.