Pirates’ Andrew McCutchen problem may have a simple solution hiding in plain sight

The Pittsburgh Pirates don’t have an Andrew McCutchen “want” problem. It’s more of an Andrew McCutchen fit problem.

The version of McCutchen Pittsburgh can justify in 2026 isn’t an everyday DH, middle-of-the-order emotional support role. He would need to be a smartly deployed veteran bat who still matters — without pretending he’s still an outfield option. He logged only seven outfield games in 2025, and at 39 years old, the reality is he’s a DH-only player now. 

The Pirates have been loud about needing more offense, and the broader reporting around the team has framed the DH/impact-bat chase as a key offseason lane — especially with McCutchen hitting free agency. 

So where’s the simple solution? Maybe it’s Joey Bart.

Not because Bart is bad. His .355 OBP led the Pirates last season, even with the OPS dip and modest power production (.249, .696 OPS, four homers). However, Bart is exactly the kind of asset a mid-market team should be willing to move.

The Pirates’ catcher pipeline is a little messy. Henry Davis is still part of the present-tense plan, and Endy Rodríguez gives them another big-league option — with enough depth behind them to make Joey Bart feel movable. If you believe in that depth at all, Bart becomes the rare thing Pittsburgh doesn’t always have: a tradable, major-league-ready piece with some market value.

Pirates’ Joey Bart question carries a tense McCutchen ripple effect

Bart is projected to make real money (by Pirates standards) in 2026. $2.53 million, and while that’s not “free agent star” cash, it’s enough that you’d rather have it pointed at a spot that directly improves the lineup. Packaging Bart (or dealing him straight up) is how you go shopping for a real outfield bat, or really anything that doesn’t require crossing your fingers and calling it development.

Then you bring McCutchen back the right way: not as the plan, but as part of the plan. A one-year deal that respects what he still does — selective starts at DH, pinch-hit leverage spots, clubhouse gravity — while leaving room for the Pirates to keep chasing upgrades. And if there really has been “frustration on both sides,” as has been reported, a cleaner roster picture helps everyone swallow their pride. 

If the Pirates want the best possible ending with McCutchen, they can’t keep treating the roster like it’s a scrapbook. Create space. Add where necessary. Then let Cutch return as the finishing touch.