39-year-old outfielder Andrew McCutchen will compete for a spot on the Rangers roster with this deal. He could serve as a viable option for the pack, either as a designated hitter for Joc Pederson or as a fill-in for Evan Carter against left-handed pitching, as both have struggled mightily against Southpaws in their careers.
Last season, McCutchen hit .267 against lefties with a .353 on-base percentage and a .743 on-base plus slugging percentage. He also ranked in the 92nd percentile in chase percentage, an extremely low mark, and had a 12.2% walk rate, putting him in the 88th percentile. Reducing strikeouts is a critical goal for the Rangers in 2026 to improve their lineup, and McCutchen addresses those needs significantly.
McCutchen has amassed 332 career home runs, 1,152 RBIs and an .822 OPS at the end of his 17-season career. Statistics aside, the five-time All-Star veteran’s presence in the clubhouse is invaluable. With 17 seasons of experience with teams like the Pirates, Giants, Yankees and Phillies, McCutchen is well positioned to mentor young players in the clubhouse like Evan Carter and Wyatt Langford as they are just beginning their professional careers.
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