Andrew McCutchen downplays fuss over playing the Pirates: ‘Just another day at the ballpark'

ARLINGTON, Texas — Andrew McCutchen has obviously been a tremendous baseball player over the years, perhaps a Hall of Famer. He’s also a really good talker, introspective and honest when articulating his thoughts.

But facing the Pirates for the first time after a difficult offseason breakup, McCutchen kept things close to the vest.

McCutchen declined to answer several questions about what happened this winter or his future with the Pirates, saying instead that playing his former team is “not nearly as emotional as it once was.”

"It’s just another day at the ballpark,” McCutchen said. “There’s not as much emotion compared to the first time [playing the Pirates] after I was traded."

After returning in 2023, McCutchen spent the past three seasons with the Pirates, hitting .242 with a .736 OPS in 367 games, primarily as a designated hitter.

But with the Pirates looking to upgrade their offense, they went a different direction bringing in Marcell Ozuna. McCutchen and Ozuna actually shared a laugh before the game, along with Bryan Reynolds.

McCutchen expressed his displeasure with several things on Twitter this past offseason but declined to get into any of that frustration on Tuesday.

Asked if he was disappointed he didn’t return, McCutchen responded, “I’d rather not answer that question.” He said the same when asked what communication was like with the Pirates this past offseason.

Asked whether he might eventually welcome a post-retirement role with the team, McCutchen said simply: “We’ll see.”

While McCutchen downplayed the emotion of the series, he was genuinely happy to see a few people on the other side, emphasizing that he hoped to chat with more over the next few days.

It’s been a weird start for McCutchen with the Rangers. He was six for 14 to open the season, but McCutchen is 0 for his past 16 with 11 strikeouts over his past nine-plus games.

The Rangers have been using McCutchen for an occasional pinch-hit appearance while starting strictly against lefties. Such a role has been an adjustment for McCutchen, but he said he’s been enjoying life in Texas.

“I’m in the Major Leagues,” McCutchen said. “I have a role. I’m trying to do my best to learn that role. When opportunities are given, I’m trying to be ready.

“It’s crazy that, at my age, to still be learning stuff, but that’s what I’m doing. Just have to do my best to do it, nut it’s good overall.

“I’m in a position to help a team and also be in the Major Leagues. There’s nothing better than that.”

McCutchen caught up with several members of the Pirates organization prior to Tuesday’s game, including manager Don Kelly, several hitting coaches, first-base coach Tarrik Brock and former teammates such as Reynolds, Nick Gonzales and Spencer Horwitz.

While McCutchen didn’t want to talk much about the Pirates’ decision this offseason, he has been happy to see his former team playing winning baseball.

“They made a conscious effort to find ways they could better themselves,” McCutchen said. “They went out, and they did that. It’s paying off for them so far. You just have to stay healthy and see where that takes them. They’ve done well for themselves. They’ve done a good job thus far. Good for them.”

Jason Mackey: Jason.Mackey@pirates.com and @JMackey_PGH.