The Pittsburgh Pirates designated right-hand pitcher Andre Jackson for assignment to make room on the 40-man roster two days after announcing the signing of veteran outfielder Andrew McCutchen to a one-year contract worth $5 million on Tuesday.

Following his trade with the Los Angeles Dodgers for monetary considerations, Jackson played in 12 games for the Pirates in 2023, including seven starts. Jackson pitched 43.2 innings with a good 4.33 ERA, although he was thinner in the Pittsburgh rotation towards the end of the game as a result of trades and injuries.

Jackson appears to be out of the plans to add more starting pitching this offseason, despite general manager Ben Cherington’s insistence that the organization wants to do so. The team revealed that Jackson is taking this move to offer himself the option to seek an opportunity in Japan.

McCutchen was on the verge of becoming the 300th home run club when he sustained an Achilles tendon injury, which led to a disappointing end to his 2023 season. Before the injury, he hit.256/.378/.397 in 112 games, breaking several career records in the process. During a news conference held after the signing, the 37-year-old right-handed bat, who now plays mostly as a designated hitter, stated that he intends to play for at least two more seasons. He also mentioned his desire to become a pirate in retirement.