Marcell Ozuna had been the last remaining Atlanta Braves‘ free agent, but on Monday, the Pittsburgh Pirates emerged as the winners of his free agency by signing Ozuna to a one-year, $12 million contract with a team option for 2027.
The Braves roster, for the most part, is already set, but Ozuna walking out the door could mean the Braves bring in another right-handed hitter to fill the void. The plan right now for Atlanta seems to be using Mike Yastrzemski as an everyday outfielder and Jurickson Profar in the DH spot. Braves reporter Grant McAuley recently urged Atlanta to bring in former NL MVP Andrew McCutchen, who is currently a free agent.
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Andrew McCutchen is a Free Agent. Should the Braves Sign Him?
Andrew McCutchen is a highly accomplished MLB veteran. If he signs with an organization for the 2026 season, it will be his 18th season in the pros, but should the Braves sign McCutchen?
Braves reporter Grant McAuley recently tweeted this after Marcell Ozuna signed with the Pirates:
“If the #Braves could step in and add Andrew McCutchen as an extra outfielder and hedge for Mike Yastrzemski, that would check a few boxes and add a respected veteran to the mix for 2026.”
GettyAndrew McCutchen sent a heartfelt message to the Pirates fan who fell out of the stands during their clash with the Cubs
McCutchen was named the Most Valuable Player in 2013 and had a run of five straight All-Star appearances from 2011 to 2015. Injuries and poor performance had him bouncing around MLB for a few seasons once he was out of his prime, but McCutchen then returned to Pittsburgh in 2023 and has been a serviceable player for the last few seasons. He’s 39 now, so age is definitely a factor, but as McAuley outlined, adding McCutchen would bring in a veteran and a platoon bench option for new manager Walt Weiss.
He hit .239 in 2025 with 13 home runs, 57 runs batted in, and an OPS+ of 95.
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Andrew McCutchen’s Recent Cryptic Post
As MLB spring training is just days away, Andrew McCutchen remains unsigned, which prompted him to post a small tribute video to X on Sunday.
In the video, it highlights some of McCutchen’s journey to MLB, which includes some of his early days with the Pirates. This could be a sign that the Pirates no longer want to pay him for his services, and another MLB team will have to offer him a contract.
Playing with the Pirates is likely McCutchen’s top option, as he’s just so familiar with the organization, but time may have run its course with the former NL MVP.
The music playing over the video is a song called “Washed Up”.
McCutchen indicated at the end of last season that he would like to suit up for another MLB season. He could be one of those players that signs like in mid-May or early-June, as many organizations will be needing reinforcements around that time.
However, should the Braves bring in McCutchen on a one-year deal? Can he help this current roster? And does he still have playing ability left in him?
Those are the big questions that remain surrounding his free agency.
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