This offseason was a tough one for Andrew McCutchen, who languished on the free agent market much longer than expected.
After signing one-year deals with the Pittsburgh Pirates in each of the last three winters, he did not receive one from the Pirates this offseason as they focused on other needs. That ultimately led him to join the Texas Rangers on a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training in early March, well after spring training had already started.
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After arriving at Rangers camp last week, McCutchen opened up to reporters about his challenging offseason and why he chose Texas.
“Honestly, it was one of the first options for me, and also, at the moment, it was one of the only options as well,” acknowledged the former NL MVP. “I understood things were happening and there were opportunities maybe elsewhere, but I also understood there was less than three weeks (until Opening Day), too.”
Accordingly, McCutchen seized the Rangers’ opportunity, which he considered his best chance to play this season.
It was relieving for the 39-year-old DH to finally get an offer after months of waiting and uncertainty, which took an emotional toll on him.
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“Emotionally, it’s been a challenge for sure…I didn’t necessarily know where I was going to end up,” McCutchen said. “I didn’t have a great understanding of where I was gonna be in the future…but there was an understanding on my end that I wanted to keep playing.”
Now, the five-time All-Star is thankful that Texas was willing to take a chance on him and give him an opportunity to prove himself.
“One door closes, another one opens. Grateful that the Rangers are giving me this chance,” McCutchen said.
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