The Texas Rangers have been looking for a veteran right-handed bench bat to give their roster some more depth.

Early Thursday morning, the Rangers went out and made another move, trying to find yet another diamond in the rough.

Former National League MVP Andrew McCutchen and the Rangers have agreed to a one-year minor-league contract that includes an invitation to big-league Spring Training.

Looking to break the Opening Day roster, McCutchen is entering his age 39 season, and if he breaks camp, it would be his 18th MLB season.

The Rangers certainly have a need for someone like McCutchen. Texas will need to find a right-handed designated hitter complement to Joc Pederson to slot into the lineup when a left-handed pitcher is on the mound.

Last season, McCutchen was back with the Pittsburgh Pirates, where he spent 12 seasons.

In 2025, McCutchen hit .239 with an on-base percentage of .333, a slugging percentage of .367, with 13 home runs, and 57 RBIs in 135 games.

There is no doubt that 2013 was McCutchen’s best season. He brought home the NL MVP award after hitting .317 with 21 home runs and 84 RBI.

McCutchen’s accolades list is quite impressive. In addition to the MVP, he has five All-Star appearances, four Silver Sluggers, a Gold Glove, and a Roberto Clemente Award.

Following his original stint with the Pirates, McCutchen spent time with the Philadelphia Phillies, Milwaukee Brewers, San Francisco Giants, and New York Yankees.

Certainly, the Rangers won’t expect McCutchen to play at the level that he once was with the Pirates, but when it comes to these types of signings, any level of production is a bonus.

McCutchen’s veteran status makes him a player that first-year manager Skip Schumaker will have confidence in playing off the bench. But a younger player might need to get regular reps to stay effective.

The Rangers' regular outfielders also figure to benefit from the signing of McCutchen, as they will be able to get days off and days in the DH spot, which Schumaker said he wants to use to get guys half days off.

Ultimately, the signing finally brings McCutchen to Texas after many have linked the two sides as a potential fit for years.

Texas will hope that McCutchen can find a spring of youth and give them some sort of unexpected spark plug that every championship team needs and finds.

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