Rangers to sign former NL MVP to free agent contract for 18th MLB season

The Texas Rangers haven't been adding a ton of top-tier talent in free agency this offseason, but that doesn't mean they aren't looking to improve the roster.

They acquired MacKenzie Gore and also swapped Marcus Semien for Brandon Nimmo in a trade with the New York Mets. Overall, the Rangers look to have a solid roster, but they could still use some more depth, especially in the outfield.

And according to Evan Grant of The Dallas Morning News, the Rangers are making such a move. Grant is reporting that the Rangers are in agreement on a contract with free agent outfielder and Pittsburgh Pirates legend Andrew McCutchen.

Rangers to sign Andrew McCutchen to free agent contract

"The Texas Rangers have dug into their change pocket again to find some more money to spare for a potential right-handed outfielder bat," Grant reports, "agreeing to a minor league deal with former NL MVP Andrew McCutchen."

McCutchen is joining the Rangers on a minor league contract, so he will need to prove he's worth a Major League roster spot this spring. He has roughly three weeks to prove as such.

The 17-year MLB veteran would be playing in his 18th season if he makes the Rangers' MLB roster. He's spent 12 years with the Pirates, including the 2025 season.

Last year, he had a .700 OPS in 135 games for the Pirates, hitting 13 home runs and 22 doubles to go with 57 RBIs and a slightly below average 95 OPS+.

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While he's not producing as he did early in his career, the 39-year-old righty-hitting outfielder is still a good player worth taking a chance on.

With Nimmo, Evan Carter, and Wyatt Langford comprising the starting outfield, the Rangers could use some extra depth, especially from a right-handed hitter.

McCutchen still has a long way to go to make the Opening Day roster, but if he can impress in his limited action this spring for the Rangers, he might sneak onto the roster and potentially get a few starts in 2026 for the Rangers.

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