Rangers Sign Andrew McCutchen to Minor-League Deal

39-year-old outfielder looks to extend career with Texas

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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Veteran outfielder Andrew McCutchen has signed a minor-league contract with the Texas Rangers. The 39-year-old is expected to compete for a platoon role at designated hitter alongside Joc Pederson. McCutchen spent the majority of his 14-year MLB career with the Pittsburgh Pirates, where he was a five-time All-Star and the 2013 National League MVP.

Why it matters

McCutchen is a beloved figure in Pittsburgh, where he was the face of the Pirates' franchise for nearly a decade. His potential return to the majors with the Rangers provides an opportunity for the former star to extend his career and potentially get one last chance to play in front of the Pittsburgh faithful.

The details

If added to the Rangers' 40-man roster, McCutchen would earn a base salary of approximately $1.5 million. Last season, he played in 135 games for the Pirates, primarily as a designated hitter, batting .239 with 13 home runs and 57 RBIs. McCutchen had been holding out hope for a return to Pittsburgh, but the team showed little interest in bringing him back, instead signing Marcell Ozuna to be their new designated hitter.

  • McCutchen signed the minor-league deal with the Rangers on Thursday, March 5, 2026.
  • Last season, McCutchen played 135 games for the Pirates in 2025.

The players

Andrew McCutchen

A 39-year-old outfielder who spent the majority of his 14-year MLB career with the Pittsburgh Pirates, where he was a five-time All-Star and the 2013 National League MVP.

Joc Pederson

An outfielder who is expected to platoon at designated hitter with McCutchen for the Texas Rangers.

Marcell Ozuna

The player the Pittsburgh Pirates signed to be their new designated hitter, replacing McCutchen.

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What they’re saying

“If this is my last year, it would have been nice to meet the fans one last time as a player.”

— Andrew McCutchen (Twitter)

What’s next

McCutchen will need to complete a physical before the minor-league deal with the Rangers is finalized.

The takeaway

McCutchen's potential return to the majors with the Rangers provides a chance for the former star to extend his career and potentially get one last opportunity to play in front of the loyal Pittsburgh fans who cheered him on for nearly a decade.