The Texas Rangers signed former NL MVP Andrew McCutchen to a minor league contract, the team announced Friday.
McCutchen’s resume is filled with accolades, including the five All-Star selections, four Silver Sluggers, a Gold Glove and the 2013 NL MVP while playing with the Pittsburgh Pirates. But how much does the former star have left?
No active player in the MLB has more games played (2,262) than McCutchen, and last year the 39-year-old hit .239 with 13 home runs and 57 RBIs while playing in 135 game for the Pirates.
For the past five seasons, McCutchen has played at least 112 games, which could be useful for the Rangers if they suffer any injuries. He is an established veteran bat and also provides valuable experience that could be crucial in the development of Wyatt Langford and Evan Carter.
McCutchen shouldn’t be expected out in the field much, as he only logged seven games combined games in the outfield last season, playing almost exclusively as a designated hitter. He could also provide an alternative option to Joc Pederson, who struggled in his first year in Texas, hitting .181 with nine home runs and 26 RBIs in 96 games.
McCutchen spent the first nine years of his career in Pittsburgh and has split the ensuing eight years with the San Francisco Giants, New York Yankees, Philadelphia Phillies, Milwaukee Brewers and the Pirates.
If McCutchen makes the Rangers’ roster, it would be his sixth MLB team in his 18th season in the majors.
For his career, McCutchen has hit .271 with 332 home runs.
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Lawrence Dow is a digital sports reporter from Philadelphia. He graduated with a master’s degree in journalism from USC. He’s passionate about movies and is always looking for a great book. He covers the Texas Rangers and other sports.