Rangers Sign 39-Year-Old Outfielder McCutchen to Minor League Deal

Former NL MVP joins Texas on a low-risk contract with chance to make major league roster

Mar. 5, 2026 at 9:27pm

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The Texas Rangers have agreed to a minor league contract with veteran outfielder Andrew McCutchen, a 39-year-old former National League MVP. McCutchen, who spent the last three seasons with the Pittsburgh Pirates, will have a chance to make the Rangers' major league roster during spring training.

Why it matters

McCutchen is a five-time All-Star and the 2013 NL MVP, bringing valuable experience and name recognition to the Rangers' outfield. While no longer in his prime, he could provide depth and a right-handed power bat to complement the Rangers' young core of outfielders.

The details

The deal is a minor league contract, meaning McCutchen will have to earn a spot on the Rangers' 40-man roster during spring training. If he makes the major league team, he would earn $1.5 million for the 2026 season. The Rangers are well-stocked in the outfield with rising stars Wyatt Langford and Evan Carter, as well as veteran Brandon Nimmo, but McCutchen could provide valuable depth and a right-handed power bat off the bench.

  • McCutchen agreed to the minor league deal on March 5, 2026.
  • He will have three weeks of spring training to show the Rangers he deserves a spot on the major league roster.

The players

Andrew McCutchen

A 39-year-old veteran outfielder who spent the last three seasons with the Pittsburgh Pirates. McCutchen is a five-time All-Star and the 2013 National League MVP.

Texas Rangers

The Major League Baseball team that has agreed to a minor league contract with Andrew McCutchen, giving him a chance to make their major league roster during spring training.

Wyatt Langford

A rising young outfielder for the Texas Rangers, expected to be their starting left fielder.

Evan Carter

A rising young outfielder for the Texas Rangers, expected to be their starting center fielder.

Brandon Nimmo

A veteran outfielder who recently joined the Texas Rangers, expected to be their starting right fielder.

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What they’re saying

“No matter what, Andrew's a Pirate and certainly our desire will be to continue to have a really strong relationship with him into the future, whatever that looks like.”

— Ben Cherington, Pittsburgh Pirates General Manager

What’s next

McCutchen will have three weeks of spring training to show the Rangers he deserves a spot on their major league roster. The team will then decide whether to add him to the 40-man roster before the start of the 2026 season.

The takeaway

This low-risk signing gives the Rangers a chance to add an experienced, proven veteran to their outfield mix, providing depth and a right-handed power bat off the bench. While McCutchen is no longer in his prime, he could still contribute to the Rangers' success if he can earn a spot on the major league roster during spring training.