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The end of the MLB road could be here for former NL MVP Andrew McCutchen. The Texas Rangers have designated him for assignment, according to Bob Nightengale. They have signed infielder Nicky Lopez in a corresponding move.
The Rangers signed the now 39-year-old McCutchen to a minor league contract on March 5. 18 days later, it was announced that McCutchen made the Rangers’ Opening Day roster. Unfortunately, outside of a go-ahead single in a 5-4 win against the Philadelphia Phillies in extra innings, McCutchen didn’t do much in a Rangers uniform.
More: St. Louis Cardinals patience with Jordan Walker is paying off
McCutchen finished with just a .192/.277/.260 triple slash through 83 plate appearances in 37 games with the Rangers. If he doesn’t get another opportunity, it’d be the lowest average, on-base percentage, and slugging percentage of his career.
Overall, it’s not a good outlook for his future in MLB, with the Rangers getting little from their outfield in a below-average hitting core. Their .688 on-base percentage + slugging (OPS) ranks 22nd in the league, and Brandon Nimmo (.267/.349/.426) and Joc Pederson (.234/.351/.371) are the only outfielders with better than a .688 OPS. Wyatt Langford (.238/.274/.363) and Evan Carter (.178/.293/.350) have been major disappointments too.
More: Blue Jays acquire former Red Sox, Tigers pitcher in much-needed move
The Rangers will have seven days to assign him to the minor leagues, trade him, release him, or place him on waivers. McCutchen could reject an assignment to the minor leagues, since he has more than five years of MLB experience, so the Rangers could release him if they desire.
They signed Nicky Lopez to an undisclosed contract. The Chicago Cubs outrighted Lopez earlier this week, but he elected free agency instead. He had just five appearances with the Cubs this season, recording two strikeouts, no hits, and a run.
If this is the end of McCutchen’s career, it’s been a truly remarkable one. This season marks his 18th in the big leagues, and the 2005 first-round pick will have an interesting Hall of Fame discussion.
More: Phillies Christopher Sanchez looks to extend incredible streak Wednesday
His best years came with the Pittsburgh Pirates. From 2011-15, he made five consecutive All-Star teams, averaged 6.3 wins above replacement (WAR), earned four Silver Slugger awards, and won the 2013 NL MVP.
McCutchen never reached those heights again after the 2015 season, but he’s stuck around the league as a quality bat. He’s had stops with the San Francisco Giants (2018), New York Yankees (2018), Philadelphia Phillies (2019-21), and Milwaukee Brewers (2022) before returning to the Pittsburgh Pirates from 2023-25.
More: Blue Jays make Vladimir Guerrero Jr. decision ahead of Marlins game
A team in need of outfield depth could sign him to a contract, since he’s just one season removed from a respectable .239/.333/.367 triple slash with the Pirates in 2025. Regardless, his stock isn’t very high right now.
Continue reading...
The Rangers signed the now 39-year-old McCutchen to a minor league contract on March 5. 18 days later, it was announced that McCutchen made the Rangers’ Opening Day roster. Unfortunately, outside of a go-ahead single in a 5-4 win against the Philadelphia Phillies in extra innings, McCutchen didn’t do much in a Rangers uniform.
More: St. Louis Cardinals patience with Jordan Walker is paying off
McCutchen finished with just a .192/.277/.260 triple slash through 83 plate appearances in 37 games with the Rangers. If he doesn’t get another opportunity, it’d be the lowest average, on-base percentage, and slugging percentage of his career.
Rangers Point of View
Overall, it’s not a good outlook for his future in MLB, with the Rangers getting little from their outfield in a below-average hitting core. Their .688 on-base percentage + slugging (OPS) ranks 22nd in the league, and Brandon Nimmo (.267/.349/.426) and Joc Pederson (.234/.351/.371) are the only outfielders with better than a .688 OPS. Wyatt Langford (.238/.274/.363) and Evan Carter (.178/.293/.350) have been major disappointments too.
More: Blue Jays acquire former Red Sox, Tigers pitcher in much-needed move
The Rangers will have seven days to assign him to the minor leagues, trade him, release him, or place him on waivers. McCutchen could reject an assignment to the minor leagues, since he has more than five years of MLB experience, so the Rangers could release him if they desire.
They signed Nicky Lopez to an undisclosed contract. The Chicago Cubs outrighted Lopez earlier this week, but he elected free agency instead. He had just five appearances with the Cubs this season, recording two strikeouts, no hits, and a run.
Career Outlook
If this is the end of McCutchen’s career, it’s been a truly remarkable one. This season marks his 18th in the big leagues, and the 2005 first-round pick will have an interesting Hall of Fame discussion.
More: Phillies Christopher Sanchez looks to extend incredible streak Wednesday
His best years came with the Pittsburgh Pirates. From 2011-15, he made five consecutive All-Star teams, averaged 6.3 wins above replacement (WAR), earned four Silver Slugger awards, and won the 2013 NL MVP.
McCutchen never reached those heights again after the 2015 season, but he’s stuck around the league as a quality bat. He’s had stops with the San Francisco Giants (2018), New York Yankees (2018), Philadelphia Phillies (2019-21), and Milwaukee Brewers (2022) before returning to the Pittsburgh Pirates from 2023-25.
More: Blue Jays make Vladimir Guerrero Jr. decision ahead of Marlins game
A team in need of outfield depth could sign him to a contract, since he’s just one season removed from a respectable .239/.333/.367 triple slash with the Pirates in 2025. Regardless, his stock isn’t very high right now.
Continue reading...
