Chicago Cubs’ Final Move Before Spring Training: Should They Sign Andrew McCutchen?

As the 2026 MLB season approaches, the Chicago Cubs are looking to solidify their roster before heading into spring training. While they’ve already made several important moves this offseason, there’s one more that could significantly boost their depth, especially in the outfield. Enter Andrew McCutchen, the 39-year-old veteran whose recent comments and performance in 2025 make him a compelling candidate for a last-minute signing.

The Cubs had a strong showing in 2025, making it to the divisional round before being knocked out by the Milwaukee Brewers. Their performance was impressive, but if they hope to go further in 2026, they’ll need to make a few more roster adjustments. One key area of focus is the outfield, where the Cubs are already set with stars like Pete Crow-Armstrong, Ian Happ, and Seiya Suzuki. However, depth behind these mainstays could be crucial, and McCutchen, with his wealth of experience and versatility, could be the perfect addition.

The Case for Signing Andrew McCutchen

McCutchen may not be the player he once was during his prime years with the Pittsburgh Pirates, but he’s still capable of contributing to a major league team. In 2025, McCutchen played in 135 games, totaling 13 home runs and 57 RBIs. Though he’s now in the twilight of his career, McCutchen remains a solid hitter with the ability to step up when needed.

The Cubs already have a solid starting outfield, but McCutchen’s experience and leadership could provide invaluable depth. With his 17-year MLB career under his belt, McCutchen is no stranger to pressure, making him a reliable option for manager Craig Counsell when one of the regular outfielders needs a break or is unavailable.

What stands out about McCutchen’s situation is the apparent shift in his role. At 39, he’s fully aware that his best days are behind him, but he’s not ready to hang up his cleats just yet. McCutchen recently expressed his desire to keep playing, noting that he’s still working every day to improve his game. His desire to contribute to a team that could make a deep postseason run could align perfectly with the Cubs’ needs.

McCutchen himself recently took to social media to comment on his uncertain future with the Pittsburgh Pirates, sharing his thoughts on his relationship with the organization. “I wonder, did the Cards do this Wainwright/Pujols/Yadi? Dodgers to Kershaw? Tigers to Miggy? The list goes on and on,” McCutchen wrote on X (formerly Twitter). He added, “If this is my last year, it would have been nice to meet the fans one last time as a player.”

These sentiments show McCutchen’s emotional connection to the game and his fans, highlighting a fire that could drive him to finish his career on a high note, ideally with a team like the Cubs that has championship aspirations.

McCutchen’s Postseason Potential

One of the key reasons the Cubs should pursue McCutchen is his hunger for postseason success. Despite a stellar career, McCutchen has only played in 13 postseason games, making him eager to get more opportunities on the big stage. His experience could be a critical asset down the stretch when the Cubs are vying for a playoff spot.

While McCutchen’s most memorable postseason appearance with the Yankees in 2018 was underwhelming—he batted just .111 with 1 RBI over five games—he remains confident in his ability to contribute in meaningful moments. On X, he also addressed concerns about his defense, stating, “It is really funny how so many people say I ‘can’t’ play defense. I haven’t played much defense because they haven’t asked that of me. The only reason I played a few games last year is because Reynolds needed rest from a minor injury. And I ASKED to play defense to get in the lineup. No one said anything then?”

This comment shows McCutchen’s willingness to do whatever it takes to help his team. His readiness to play defense, even after years of limited action in the field, demonstrates his commitment to his craft and the Cubs’ potential needs in the outfield. If the Cubs sign McCutchen, they could rely on his versatility to fill in when necessary, providing both offensive and defensive support.

McCutchen vs. Mike Tauchman: A Decision for the Cubs

The Cubs missed out on one of their other potential targets, Austin Hays, who ended up signing with the Baltimore Orioles. However, there are still options available, such as Mike Tauchman, who played for the Cubs in 2023 and 2024. Tauchman is younger than McCutchen and has been a consistent performer over the past two seasons, appearing in over 100 games each year.

So why might the Cubs prefer McCutchen over Tauchman? While Tauchman is a solid player, McCutchen brings a wealth of experience and leadership that could be critical in the later months of the season, especially in high-pressure situations. McCutchen’s presence in the clubhouse could lift the team’s morale, particularly when things get heated down the stretch in a playoff race. His hunger for postseason success, coupled with his experience, could make him the perfect veteran presence for a Cubs team with World Series aspirations.

A Subtle Move with Big Impact

While signing McCutchen might not be the headline-grabbing move some fans are hoping for, it’s exactly the type of subtle acquisition that championship teams often make. The Cubs have a strong roster, but adding a veteran player with McCutchen’s pedigree could give them an added edge when the games truly matter. He may not be an All-Star anymore, but he still has plenty to offer, especially in a reserve role where he can contribute when needed most.

The Cubs have already made significant strides in improving their roster this offseason. Adding McCutchen would be the final piece of the puzzle—a move that strengthens their outfield depth while giving them a player with an unrelenting desire to win. The Cubs are gearing up for a competitive season, and McCutchen could be the key to taking them to the next level.

In conclusion, the Cubs’ pursuit of McCutchen could prove to be one of the most important last-minute moves of the offseason. While not a game-changer on his own, McCutchen’s leadership, postseason hunger, and veteran presence could be just what the Cubs need as they push for a deep playoff run in 2026. If this signing comes to fruition, it could mark a pivotal moment in the Cubs’ quest for a World Series title.