Rangers Sign Former Pirates Star Andrew McCutchen

The 39-year-old outfielder agrees to minor-league deal with Texas after Pittsburgh declines to re-sign him.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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Andrew McCutchen, a Pittsburgh Pirates legend, has agreed to a minor-league contract with the Texas Rangers after the Pirates declined to re-sign the 39-year-old outfielder. McCutchen, who spent 9 seasons with the Pirates, wanted to continue playing but the team did not offer him a contract to retire with the organization.

Why it matters

McCutchen's signing with the Rangers is significant because of his status as a franchise icon in Pittsburgh. The Pirates' decision not to bring him back to retire with the team has surprised many baseball observers, as McCutchen was a key part of the Pirates' resurgence in the early 2010s.

The details

McCutchen, a 5-time All-Star and the 2013 NL MVP, will look to provide veteran leadership and production off the bench for the Rangers as he enters the twilight of his career. The Pirates did not offer him a contract, despite his desire to keep playing, which has led to questions about the team's handling of the situation.

  • On March 5, 2026, the Texas Rangers signed Andrew McCutchen to a minor-league deal.

The players

Andrew McCutchen

A 39-year-old outfielder and former Pittsburgh Pirates star who is now signing a minor-league contract with the Texas Rangers.

Texas Rangers

The Major League Baseball team that has signed Andrew McCutchen to a minor-league deal.

Pittsburgh Pirates

The MLB team that declined to re-sign Andrew McCutchen, their longtime star outfielder, leading him to sign with the Texas Rangers.

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What’s next

McCutchen will report to the Rangers' minor-league camp and look to earn a spot on the major-league roster during spring training.

The takeaway

McCutchen's departure from the Pirates after nearly a decade with the team is a surprising move, as the franchise icon had hoped to retire with the organization. His signing with the Rangers on a minor-league deal highlights the business side of baseball, where sentiment sometimes takes a backseat to roster decisions.