Former Pittsburgh Pirate and National League MVP Andrew McCutchen will make the Texas Rangers’ Opening Day roster, marking his 18th MLB season.
After limited communication from Pittsburgh this offseason, McCutchen signed a minor-league deal with Texas on March 6 and spent three weeks in spring training in Arizona, where he impressed Rangers president of baseball operations Chris Young with both his performance and leadership.
“There were a number of factors, but ultimately Cutch earned it with his play,” Young said. “The way he’s hit the ball and his approach shows he’s going to help us win games.”
Despite only 21 spring training at-bats, McCutchen excelled, finishing with a .429/.556/.714 slash line, an OPS of 1.270, nine hits, five runs, seven RBIs, and one home run, proving he still has plenty of game left.
McCutchen reflected on being written off by some, saying he knew he had more to give and is committed to making the opportunity count.
Drafted by the Pirates in 2005 and debuting in 2009, McCutchen spent his first nine MLB seasons in Pittsburgh, earning Rookie of the Year honors, the 2013 NL MVP, a Gold Glove, four Silver Sluggers, five All-Star selections, and the 2015 Roberto Clemente Award.
He helped the Pirates reach the playoffs in 2013, ending a 20-year streak of losing seasons.
After being traded to the Giants in 2018, he also played for the Yankees, Phillies, Brewers, and returned to Pittsburgh in 2023 for three seasons before not being re-signed. Last season, he hit 13 homers with 57 RBIs.
Now with the Rangers as a veteran outfielder and designated hitter, McCutchen’s leadership is expected to be as valuable as his bat.
Manager Skip Schumaker praised him for his impact on young players, noting that while McCutchen won’t be an everyday outfielder, he will contribute both on the field and in the clubhouse.
“I don’t think you’ll see him out there every day, but if we need him, he’ll play,” Schumaker said. “He’s valuable off the bench in high-leverage situations or starting against left-handed pitching.”
McCutchen embraced his role, emphasizing his willingness to help the team in any way.
He sees this season as an opportunity to continue playing on his own terms while mentoring younger teammates and contributing whenever possible.
The Rangers open the season in Philadelphia against the Phillies and will host the Pirates in Arlington from April 21-23. Unless a trade or other circumstances occur, McCutchen will not play at PNC Park in 2026.
