The Texas Rangers have reached an agreement with veteran outfielder Andrew McCutchen for a minor league contract, according to multiple reports. If included in the 40-man roster, McCutchen, 39 years old, would earn $1.5 million this season while playing in the Major Leagues. McCutchen will have three weeks of spring training to prove to the Rangers that he deserves a spot on the team. The team has a solid position in the outfield with promising youngsters like Wyatt Langford and Evan Carter, in addition to veteran Brandon Nimmo. Depth is a concern, as Carter was limited by injuries to 63 games in 2025, and McCutchen could be a solution. His right-handed hitting could also be a natural complement in the designated hitter spot, where Joc Pederson is slated for the majority of playing time. McCutchen played the last three seasons with the Pittsburgh Pirates, the team that selected him in the first round in 2005 and promoted him in 2009 for his debut in the Major Leagues. McCutchen played his first nine years in MLB with the Pirates, being selected for the All-Star team five consecutive times and winning the National League Most Valuable Player award in 2013, becoming one of the most popular players in the history of the franchise. Between 2018 and 2022, McCutchen played for four other teams before rejoining the Pirates. Last season, he participated in 135 games, with 13 home runs, 57 RBIs, and an OPS of .700. When the Pirates began spring training last month, general manager Ben Cherington left open the possibility of McCutchen returning, but the signing of veteran Marcell Ozuna effectively eliminated a spot on their roster for him.
“Regardless of what happens, Andrew is a Pirate and it will certainly be our desire to continue having a very strong relationship with him in the future, whatever that situation may be,” Cherington said.
Ben Cherington
