The Chicago Cubs are heading into the 2026 season with a roster that looks, on paper, impressively well-rounded. They’ve made smart moves, built depth, and have a strong mix of youth and experience. But even good rosters can use a little fine-tuning – and that’s where a name like Andrew McCutchen enters the conversation.

Now, let’s be clear: this isn’t about filling a glaring hole. The Cubs aren’t desperate. But when you zoom in on the details – especially at the designated hitter spot – there’s room to add a veteran right-handed bat who can complement what they already have.

Moises Ballesteros is one of the more intriguing young hitters in the organization. A catcher by trade, but one whose bat is clearly ahead of his glove at this stage.

He’s a lefty with real upside, and the Cubs are likely to lean on his offense more than his defense this year. That’s where the idea of a platoon comes in – someone who can take some of the load off Ballesteros, especially against tough left-handed pitching.

Enter McCutchen.

He’s no stranger to the NL Central – and while he’s spent the bulk of his career with the Pirates, Pittsburgh chose not to bring him back this offseason. That opens the door for a team like Chicago to step in and offer him a role that makes sense for both sides.

McCutchen isn’t the MVP-caliber player he once was, but he’s still got value – especially in a limited role. He brings experience, professionalism, and a right-handed bat that can still do damage in the right matchups. He’s been through playoff races, knows how to handle the big moments, and could be the kind of steady presence that benefits a clubhouse over the long haul.

And let’s not overlook the fit. The Cubs don’t need him to play center field thanks to the emergence and durability of Pete Crow-Armstrong. That flexibility means McCutchen could slot in as a corner outfielder or DH without complicating the defensive picture.

This isn’t about making a splashy move. It’s about rounding out a roster that’s already in good shape. Think of McCutchen as the final brushstroke on a painting that’s nearly finished – a savvy veteran addition who can contribute both on the field and in the clubhouse.

If the Cubs want to make a deep October run, having someone like McCutchen on the bench – ready for a big pinch-hit at-bat or a spot start against a lefty – could be a subtle but significant advantage. It’s not a necessity, but it sure feels like a smart move waiting to happen.