The 39-year-old veteran "Pirate King" McCutchen signs a minor league deal with the Rangers.

Andrew McCutchen aims to extend his major league career for another season. The 39-year-old outfielder and designated hitter has reached a minor league agreement with the Texas Rangers, subject to passing a physical examination, a deal the club has yet to formally confirm.

McCutchen's storied career is poised for an 18th season. He has achieved a great deal, yet he remains capable of contributing. He is certainly no longer the player who won the 2013 NL MVP and made five All-Star teams in his first seven seasons, but heading into his age-39 campaign in 2026, he remains a hitter close to the league average.

After establishing himself as one of the league's premier all-around players with the Pittsburgh Pirates from 2009 to 2017, McCutchen was traded to the San Francisco Giants in January 2018. He subsequently played for the New York Yankees, Philadelphia Phillies, and Milwaukee Brewers before returning to Pittsburgh after the 2022 season to begin a second stint with the Pirates.

Over the past three seasons, McCutchen has primarily served as a designated hitter, posting a .736 OPS for the Pirates. Even approaching 40, he has maintained his trademark sharp batting eye. In 2025, his chase rate on pitches outside the zone was just 20.7%, ranking in the top 8% of the league, while his walk rate of 12.2% ranked in the top 12%.

In terms of batted-ball quality, McCutchen was somewhat unlucky last season. His expected batting average (.267) was 28 points higher than his actual mark, and his expected slugging percentage (.429) was 62 points above his actual figure.

McCutchen's extensive experience and veteran presence are valuable assets for younger players. In recent seasons, he has taken on a more significant mentorship role within the youthful Pirates clubhouse. On the field, he still has notable milestones within reach: 350 home runs (currently 332) and 2,500 hits (currently 2,266).

McCutchen is one of several veterans in Rangers camp vying for an Opening Day roster spot, alongside outfielder Mark Canha. He could provide a good complement to the Rangers' somewhat left-leaning lineup. He offers a natural platoon option with designated hitter Joc Pederson and could even spell outfielder Evan Carter, should manager Skip Schumaker choose to rest Carter against left-handed pitching. However, McCutchen has played only 20 games in the outfield over the past three seasons combined.