The Texas Rangers have made some solid moves this offseason, particularly on the mound, but there’s still a noticeable gap on the offensive side-specifically, a need for a right-handed bat to balance out a lineup that leans heavily left. With names like Corey Seager, Brandon Nimmo, Josh Smith, Joc Pederson, Evan Carter, and Alejandro Osuna all hitting from the left side, it’s clear that a reliable righty could bring some much-needed balance.
Back in mid-December, there was buzz around the Rangers targeting a right-handed hitter. That made sense then, and it makes even more sense now.
But since then, the front office, led by president of baseball operations Chris Young, has shifted focus toward pitching. And to be fair, they’ve done well on that front-adding lefty starter MacKenzie Gore and bolstering the bullpen with multiple relievers.
Still, the lineup remains lopsided, and the market for right-handed hitters has thinned out quickly. Marcell Ozuna signed a one-year, $12 million deal with the Pirates.
Miguel Andújar landed with the Padres on a $4 million pact. And Austin Hays, another potential fit, joined the White Sox for $6 million.
That’s three solid right-handed options off the board in quick succession.
So where does that leave Texas? Enter Andrew McCutchen.
Yes, McCutchen is 39. And yes, his numbers last season weren’t eye-popping. But there’s still a lot to like about what he brings to the table-especially for a team like the Rangers that doesn’t need him to carry the offense, just complement it.
Last year, McCutchen posted a .239/.333/.367 slash line with a 95 OPS+ in 2025. Not elite, but not empty either.
And when you dig a little deeper, the value starts to show. His 20.7% chase rate ranked in the 92nd percentile, and his 12.2% walk rate was in the 88th percentile.
That kind of plate discipline doesn’t fade easily. Against left-handed pitching, he still held his own, slashing .267/.353/.389.
That’s the kind of situational hitting Texas could absolutely use.
He’s also still capable of playing some corner outfield in a pinch and posted 1 Out Above Average last season-not bad for someone pushing 40. Most importantly, he’s likely to come at a bargain.
After earning $5 million last year with Pittsburgh, and coming off a down season, McCutchen could be had for even less this time around. That’s low-risk, potentially high-reward territory.
And with Pittsburgh bringing in Ozuna to fill the DH role, McCutchen’s return there looks unlikely. That opens the door for a team like the Rangers to swoop in and add a veteran presence with postseason experience, a strong clubhouse rep, and a bat that still has value-especially against lefties.
Texas has done well to shore up its pitching, but if they want to stay competitive in what’s shaping up to be a tightly contested AL West, they’ll need to keep looking for ways to round out the roster. McCutchen isn’t the long-term answer, but he could be the right short-term fit at the right price.
