Andrew McCutchen’s cryptic post adds uncertainty to Pirates future

With the 2025 regular season officially in the books, Andrew McCutchen's future with the Pittsburgh Pirates is more in question than ever.

McCutchen has signed three consecutive one-year, $5 million free agent deals to return to the organization that drafted him in 2005, but the results have been three straight years of disappointment under general manager Ben Cherington and last-place finishes in the National League Central.

Considering he's 38 years old and has aspirations of winning before he retires, it would be hard to blame McCutchen for wanting to play for a different organization – one that actually honors his commitment to winning by surrounding him with a competitive roster – in 2026.

Andrew McCutchen's Pirates future looks even murkier after cryptic response to rumors of his departure

Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette said Thursday on 93.7 The Fan that he believes McCutchen will likely move on this offseason due to the Pirates' reluctance to make another financial commitment to him – even though he's clearly been giving them the hometown discount.

"I think the reunion tour's over. I do," Mackey said. "It's kind of sad. I feel bad saying that. I think Cutch is going to look for more of a regular role and I don't think the Pirates can't afford to pay a DH that didn't produce all that much last season. I took Ben Cherington coming back as Andrew McCutchen not coming back. Maybe and hopefully I'm wrong, but that was my interpretation."

The North Shore Nine podcast posted a summary of Mackey's quote on X and asked fans for their opinions on whether or not McCutchen had played in his final game as a member of the Pirates. They got dozens of replies – including one from McCutchen himself.

McCutchen simply replied to the post, "Lol." But what does it mean?!

Is he laughing off the insinuation that he will sign with another team next year, indicating that he will return for another season in Pittsburgh? Or is he scoffing at Mackey's claim that he "didn't produce all that much" in 2025?

Sure, McCutchen's not the player he once was – but he ranked among the top three Pirates hitters in practically every offensive category this season. Suggesting that he didn't contribute much to the team is insulting, to say the least.

Regardless, Cutch is probably going to keep us in suspense for as long as possible regarding his future plans. Pirates fans certainly hope his time in Pittsburgh hasn't already come to a ceremonious end – though, at this point, we wouldn't blame him for wanting out.