The Seattle Mariners are entering this season as legitimate favorites to win the American League West for the first time in years, but that hasn't stopped their division rivals from trying to improve,  as well.

The Texas Rangers, who missed the playoffs for the second-straight season last year, signed one of the most respected veterans in baseball, Andrew McCutchen to a minor league deal Thursday.

McCutchen is a five-time All-Star and won the National League MVP award with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2013.

The 39-year-old slashed .239/.333/.367 with a .700 OPS and hit 22 doubles and 13 home runs with 67 RBIs in 135 games in Pittsburgh last season.