Andrew McCutchen signals possible end of his time with the Pirates

Andrew McCutchen changed his Twitter profile image after the Pirates signed Marcell Ozuna to a one-year deal; the team has not yet decided whether to re-sign McCutchen.

Andrew McCutchen remains a free agent as the Pittsburgh Pirates added Marcell Ozuna to their lineup. The Pirates signed Ozuna to a one-year, $12 million contract for 2026 with a $16 million mutual option for 2027. McCutchen changed his Twitter profile image from a photo of him in a Pirates uniform to a drawing of his silhouette swinging a bat. He returned to Pittsburgh in 2023 and spent the past three seasons as the team's starting designated hitter. Known details: - The Pirates signed Marcell Ozuna to a one-year, $12 million deal for the 2026 season with a $16 million mutual option for 2027. - Pittsburgh had the fewest home runs in Major League Baseball in 2025, and Ozuna is a right-handed power bat intended to address that need. - McCutchen updated his Twitter profile image shortly after the Ozuna signing, switching from a game photo to a bat-swinging silhouette. - McCutchen returned to the Pirates in 2023 and was the club's starting designated hitter over the past three seasons. - McCutchen played 20 games in the outfield across the last three seasons; Ozuna also has not played the outfield in that span. - Pirates general manager Ben Cherington addressed McCutchen's potential return at PiratesFest, and McCutchen reportedly met with owner Bob Nutting. Summary: McCutchen's profile change alongside Pittsburgh's signing of Ozuna has prompted questions about his role with the team in 2026. The Pirates have not announced a decision on bringing McCutchen back. Undetermined at this time.