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McCutchen’s Terse Replies Revive Questions Over Pirates’ Offseason Split

The exchange sharpened scrutiny of Pittsburgh’s choice to sign Marcell Ozuna instead of bringing back the franchise icon.

Overview

  • Pressed about his relationship with the Pirates during the Rangers series, Andrew McCutchen declined to answer and responded "We'll see" when asked about a future tie to the club.
  • He also wished Pittsburgh well and said the front office’s push to add bats was paying off so far.
  • The Pirates filled the designated hitter spot by signing Marcell Ozuna to a one-year, $12 million deal that includes a $16 million mutual option for 2027.
  • McCutchen joined Texas on a one-year, $1.25 million minor-league contract and is now in a limited role on the Rangers’ roster.
  • Early results fuel the comparison, with Ozuna hitting .178 with a .528 OPS and McCutchen at .207 with heavy strikeouts, while Pittsburgh sits 13-10 with one of MLB’s better run differentials.