Pirates Q&A: McCutchen’s Future, Potential Fallout, More
Welcome back to another edition of our Pittsburgh Pirates Q&A. Let’s get to your questions.
Why retain BC when the organization had no faith in him? – @InHotPersuit
As I’ve said I’m not even sure how many times now, if it was any other organization, I’d be surprised. But since it’s the Pirates, it doesn’t shock me that Cherington was brought back for a seventh season after six straight losing ones.
There are a couple — not great — explanations. The first is that a lockout following the 2026 season looks inevitable, which causes some level of complications.
Second, the Pirates — right or wrong — might’ve thought that bringing in a new general manager would lead to somewhat of a rebuilding effort. Given the window the Pirates have with Paul Skenes, that wouldn’t make much sense. The Pirates say they are pushing their chips into the middle. We’ll see about that.
The third and most believable is that Bob Nutting is always hesitant to fire people. He cleaned house after the 2019 season in unorthodox fashion, but rarely intervenes other than that despite the consistent losing under his ownership.
None of them are great reasons. But that’s what I got.
If you knew there was something you could do that would influence Bob Nutting to sell the team, would you take action? – @InHotPersuit
Speaking of Nutting, this is an interesting question. I’m not really in position to do anything as I try and be as impartial as I can in the role I serve.
But I know the fans deserve better than the product he’s given them year after year. And I know the vast majority of them would take such action. For the fans, the integrity of the game of baseball, and in respect to the history of the Pittsburgh Pirates, I feel like the answer is an obvious one.
Give me one good reason why fans should spend the time and money watching low grade prospect baseball?. The Pirates always talk about prospects. They trade for prospects while every other team develops major league players. Will the dimwits in the front office ever figure out that prospects and low payrolls don’t work in this league? – Dan Dishong
I’ll never tell a fan what to do with their time or how to spend their money. If you want to support the Pirates, go right ahead. If you want to show your frustrations by boycotting games at PNC Park or refusing to watch them on TV, that’s fine too.
I understand the frustrated tone of this question. Ownership is a disaster. The front office has done virtually nothing to provide a better product on the field.
But the players try hard. Don Kelly is a good man and could become a good manager. Then, of course, there’s geographical and sentimental reasons to support the Pirates. But if you’re frustrations have boiled above all that, I can’t say I blame you.
Do you think Cutch will get a contract with a team that can win, and if so in what role. If he doesn’t get a contract form someone else, do you think he would sign with the pirates again? I’m torn. I love rooting for him, but I feel Cruz is a better DH fit. – Matt
I’ll say this. Since returning to the Pirates, this is the least confident I’ve ever been in him re-signing. Ultimately, my gut tells me it still ends up getting done, but it’s not an automatic assumption like it has been the last couple offseasons.
McCutchen wants to win. That hasn’t happened since he came back. There are probably some teams closer to contention who could use his services, but likely in more of a lesser role.
If McCutchen does end up back in the black and gold, it might have to come in somewhat of a lesser role than the last couple years. He can still be a productive player, and he’s shown that, but the Pirates need to improve the offense.
Is that lesser role as a platoon DH? Splitting time with other bats no matter the pitcher? A few chances in right field to give Bryan Reynolds a breather? I’m not exactly sure, but if McCutchen does come back, I don’t think he’ll again get 500-plus plate appearances.
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