The Texas Rangers signed infielder Nicky Lopez to a one-year Major League contract covering the 2026 season; Andrew McCutchen DFA'd.
The Texas Rangers have signed infielder Nicky Lopez to a one-year Major League contract covering the 2026 season and, in doing so, have designated outfielder Andrew McCutchen for assignment.
McCutchen signed a minor-league deal with the Rangers back in March and made the team out of Spring Training after a strong showing in the Cactus League.
Unfortunately, McCutchen's hot spring did not carry over to the regular season as he hit just .192 with one home run, two doubles, and five RBIs in 37 games.
Twenty-one of McCutchen’s 83 plate appearances for Texas came as a pinch hitter, the most in baseball entering play on Wednesday. He was just 2-for-18 with three walks in those appearances.
The Rangers now have just seven days to trade, release, or outright McCutchen to the minor leagues.
Given McCutchen’s struggles and the fact that he was mostly playing in the DH spot and almost exclusively hitting against left-handed pitching, the move certainly isn't shocking.
Adding Lopez gives the Rangers a bat they believe can better hit left-handed pitching while providing more defensive versatility.
Lopez will play second base and bat ninth in Wednesday night's game as he will make his Rangers debut instantly after signing.
Throughout his career, Lopez has made defensive starts at five different positions, including second base (292), shortstop (265), third base (49), left field (2), and first base (1), and owns a career .989 fielding percentage.
In 2026, Lopez had played just four Major League Games, going 0-for-5 with one run scored prior to his release on Sunday.
With today’s transactions, the Rangers remain at the 40-man limit on the club’s Major League roster, along with three players on the 60-day Injured List (RHP Carter Baumler and LHPs Cody Bradford and Jordan Montgomery).
Join the Community
Don't miss out on our ROUNDTABLE community and the latest news!
It's completely free to join. Share your thoughts, engage with our Roundtable writers, and chat with fellow members.
Download the free Roundtable APP, and stay even more connected!
