Andrew McCutchen Impresses in Early Texas Rangers Stint

Veteran outfielder makes hard contact in first two spring training games with new team

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Andrew McCutchen, the 39-year-old outfielder who signed with the Texas Rangers last week, has made a strong early impression in spring training. In his first two games, McCutchen has recorded a pair of doubles and hit three balls over 100 mph, showing he still has the bat speed and hitting ability that made him an MVP in 2013 with the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Why it matters

McCutchen is in a tight competition for a roster spot with the Rangers, who are looking for a right-handed hitting outfielder and pinch hitter. His early spring performance could go a long way in securing him a role on the team and extending his MLB career.

The details

In his first two games with the Rangers, McCutchen has gone 2-for-4 with a pair of doubles and three batted balls over 100 mph. Manager Skip Schumaker praised McCutchen's readiness, saying "He's been hitting it hard. His first at-bat on the back fields was a double right out of the gate. You see some guys just get in there to see pitches. He's in the backfield game. It's just been quality at-bats."

  • McCutchen signed with the Rangers last Friday, March 3, 2026.
  • McCutchen made his Rangers debut on Monday, March 8, 2026.
  • McCutchen played the outfield for the first half of the game against the Chicago Cubs on Tuesday, March 9, 2026.

The players

Andrew McCutchen

A 39-year-old outfielder who is trying to make the Texas Rangers roster after spending most of his career with the Pittsburgh Pirates, where he was the NL MVP in 2013.

Skip Schumaker

The manager of the Texas Rangers, who has praised McCutchen's readiness and quality at-bats in spring training.

Mark Canha

A 37-year-old outfielder who is also competing with McCutchen for a roster spot with the Rangers as a right-handed pinch hitter and part-time DH.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“To his credit, he's come in ready. He's been hitting it hard. His first at-bat on the back fields was a double right out of the gate. You see some guys just get in there to see pitches. He's in the backfield game. It's just been quality at-bats.”

— Skip Schumaker, Manager, Texas Rangers (The Dallas Morning News)

“It feels good to get back out there on the field and try to get the game speed of things going. I've trusted the work I've done this offseason and I'm trusting the process as best I can. I'm trying to not overdo it and stay within myself. So, it felt good to get the little jitters out of the way - and yes I still get jitters.”

— Andrew McCutchen (The Dallas Morning News)

What’s next

McCutchen will continue to compete for a roster spot with the Rangers throughout spring training, with the team needing to make final roster decisions by the end of March.

The takeaway

McCutchen's strong start in spring training shows he still has the hitting ability to contribute at the major league level, even at age 39. If he can maintain this level of performance, he could earn a valuable role with the Rangers as a right-handed bat off the bench and occasional outfielder.