Ben Cherington

Of course, you know, we can always look back and reflect on communication.

There's always a way to make it better.

But that was our mindset going into the offseason that really guided every decision that we've made.

I feel confident that every decision we've made has been about what we believe is best for the team.

And sometimes when you are making those decisions, they're going to be hard.

Some of those decisions are hard.

And I think that, again, that's the nature of these things.

Tremendous respect for Andrew, and certainly our desire would be to have a strong relationship with him going forward.

Right now, obviously focused on the guys that are here in Bradenton and getting ready to prepare for a season.

I think this is a moment in time.

And, you know, I think there's a long time ahead of us.

Forever is a long time.

And I don't think you ever, the Pirates will never, you know, shut the door, completely shut the door on Andrew McCutcheon.

That's just, you know, how we feel about him.

That's not going to happen.

There's a moment in time that we're in right now in Bradenton today focused on the players that are here, focused on how do we get ready for the 2026 season.

I think given the complexion of the roster, what we expect it to be here as we get into full camp when position players arrive, I just think our focus will be on the players that are here.

Longer term, we don't need to make any declaration about the longer term.

Just focus on today right now.

whatever role he's in, does that, as someone who knows him well, does that feel right at this point?