The Andrew McCutchen encore comes to an end in Pittsburgh. The former superstar MVP and Pittsburgh Pirates fan favorite has recently signed a minor league contract with the Texas Rangers. McCutchen spent the last three seasons with the Bucs, signing one-year, $5 million contracts each year. McCutchen will also receive an invite to Spring Training, giving him another opportunity to play in the Major Leagues in 2026.

A Career-Worst but Extremely Unlucky Year

McCutchen served as the Pirates’ designated hitter the previous three campaigns. Last year, he batted .239/.333/.367 with a .309 wOBA, and 95 wRC+. Cutch only hit 13 home runs over 551 plate appearances, leading to a .128 isolated slugging percentage. On the plus side, he still had a solid 21.3% strikeout percentage, with a healthy 12.2% walk rate. He was also in the 92nd percentile for chase rate, at 20.7%.

While 2025 was one of McCutchen’s worst seasons at the plate, he was also one of the unluckiest hitters in the sport. He was still in the 66th percentile of xwOBA at .333. Cutch also had a solid .415 xSLG%. Among hitters with at least 500 plate appearances in 2025, Cutch had the 16th biggest difference between his wOBA and xwOBA, and the 12th biggest difference between his SLG% and xSLG%. McCutchen also had a respectable 89.5 MPH exit velocity and 8.3% barrel percentage. He may still have some gas left in the tank.

Designated Hitter, and Outfielder?

Interestingly, McCutchen is still willing to play the outfield. However, he hasn’t played the outfield regularly since 2021 with the Philadelphia Phillies, where he had -9 defensive runs saved and -7 outs above average in 1099 innings. He only has 147 innings in the grass during his Pirates reunion. For what it’s worth, he has been a solid defender when the Pirates have trotted him out to the field. Cutch has racked up +3 defensive runs saved and +1 outs above average in 2023 through 2025.

Acquisitions in Pittsburgh Forced McCutchen to Texas

Unfortunately, the Pirates pushed McCutchen out with many of their offseason acquisitions. Signing Ryan O’Hearn and Marcell Ozuna made it unlikely that getting playing time at DH would be available. Trading for Jake Mangum and The Password, Jhostynxon Garcia, meant outfield playing time would be sparse. The Pirates also have outfield-capable prospects like Billy Cook and Nick Yorke on the 40-man roster, and added Esmerlyn Valdez this offseason.

McCutchen has less of an uphill battle with the Rangers. Designated hitter Joc Pederson struggled badly in 2025, with a 76 wRC+ and an xwOBA of .315. Even with Peterson in the lineup, he usually only hits against right-handed pitching. That could give McCutchen plate appearances vs LHP. The Rangers also do not have another bench outfielder besides Sam Haggerty.

McCutchen’s retirement tour with the Pirates was certainly eventful, even if it didn’t end the way many Pirates fans would have liked. Cutch now gets an opportunity to make the Rangers’ roster. It is a minor league contract, so there is no guarantee he makes their 26-man roster. However, he certainly has a better opportunity in Texas than he does in Pittsburgh. He is heading into his age-39 season and is likely looking to end his MLB career on a high note.

 

Main Photo Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports