Rangers Sign Andrew McCutchen to Minor League Deal After Profar Suspension

SURPRISE, AZ – The Texas Rangers are adding veteran depth to their outfield, agreeing to a minor league contract with former National League MVP Andrew McCutchen, The Dallas Morning News reported Thursday. The deal is pending a physical.

McCutchen, 39, spent the last three seasons with the Pittsburgh Pirates, returning to the organization that drafted him in 2005 and where he established himself as one of the league’s premier players. He played in 135 games last season, primarily as a designated hitter, slashing .239/.333/.367 with 13 home runs.

The Rangers’ interest in McCutchen intensified following the news of Jurickson Profar’s suspension for violating MLB’s performance-enhancing drug policy. Profar will miss the entire 2026 season, creating a need for right-handed hitting depth in the Rangers’ lineup. Even as the team had reportedly considered McCutchen as a potential replacement for Profar with the Atlanta Braves, he ultimately landed in Texas.

Under the terms of the contract, McCutchen will earn a base salary of $1.5 million if added to the Rangers’ 40-man roster and plays in the major leagues this season, with the potential to reach $2.5 million through performance bonuses. This structure allows the Rangers to evaluate McCutchen in spring training without a significant financial commitment.

The Rangers already have a crowded outfield, with rising stars Wyatt Langford in left field and Evan Carter in center field, and newcomer Brandon Nimmo in right field. However, Carter’s injury history – he appeared in only 63 games in 2025 – highlights the need for reliable depth. McCutchen’s presence provides a veteran option who can contribute both in the outfield and at designated hitter.

The designated hitter spot is currently slated for left-handed hitter Joc Pederson, but McCutchen’s right-handed bat offers a valuable complement, providing manager Bruce Bochy with flexibility in constructing his lineup. Pederson struggled in 2025, and McCutchen could push for playing time if he demonstrates his ability to hit against left-handed pitching.

McCutchen’s track record against left-handed starters is particularly appealing. In 2025, he posted a .799 OPS against lefties, making him a viable option in platoon situations. This ability to consistently produce against opposite-handed pitching could prove crucial for the Rangers throughout the season.

The Pirates had expressed interest in re-signing McCutchen this offseason, with general manager Ben Cherington publicly acknowledging the desire to maintain a relationship with the veteran outfielder. However, the signing of Marcell Ozuna effectively eliminated a roster spot for McCutchen in Pittsburgh.

McCutchen’s career has been marked by both individual success and team success. He was a five-time All-Star and the 2013 National League MVP with the Pirates, becoming one of the franchise’s most beloved players. After being traded to San Francisco in 2018, he spent time with the Novel York Yankees, Philadelphia Phillies, and Milwaukee Brewers before returning to Pittsburgh in 2023.

Despite his age, McCutchen remains a respected player with a proven ability to contribute offensively. The Rangers are hoping he can rediscover some of his former form and provide a valuable boost to their lineup as they glance to defend their championship. He joins a team that is already considered a strong contender in the American League, and his experience and leadership could be invaluable as the season progresses.

The Rangers’ spring training roster is already brimming with talent, and the addition of McCutchen further strengthens their position as a team to watch in 2026. The competition for roster spots will be fierce, but McCutchen’s experience and potential to contribute make him a strong candidate to earn a place on the team.