By: @OOSSports
The Texas Rangers are moving on from Andrew McCutchen after a short and underwhelming stint with the club.
Texas placed McCutchen on release waivers after designating him for assignment to clear roster space for infielder Nicky Lopez. The move was expected after the Rangers removed the former National League MVP from the 40-man roster. (Via: MLB Transaction Log)
If no team claims McCutchen, he can enter free agency and pursue opportunities elsewhere. Texas must cover the guaranteed money in his contract, reportedly a $1.25 million salary. A signing team would pay only the prorated league minimum for any time he spends on the major league roster, and that amount would reduce the Rangers’ obligation.
McCutchen signed a minor league deal with the Rangers midway through spring training after a return to the Pittsburgh Pirates did not come together. He had hoped to continue his late-career second run in Pittsburgh, but that possibility faded when the Pirates signed Marcell Ozuna.
Texas used McCutchen mostly in a short-side platoon role, splitting his time between designated hitter and the corner outfield. The production never followed.
McCutchen hit .192 with one home run across 83 plate appearances for the Rangers. He drew nine walks but struck out 22 times, giving him a 26.5% strikeout rate that would represent the highest mark of his career across a full season.
The release continues a downward statistical trend for McCutchen, whose offensive numbers have declined in four straight seasons. He remained close to a league-average hitter over 551 plate appearances with the Pirates last season, but his power has continued to fade.
McCutchen still brings strong strike-zone awareness and veteran experience, which could appeal to teams looking for a bench bat. He also handled left-handed pitching well last season, hitting .267 with a .353 on-base percentage and a .389 slugging percentage.
The Seattle Mariners and San Diego Padres could make speculative sense because both have struggled against left-handed pitching. For now, though, McCutchen’s brief Rangers tenure is over, and the 39-year-old will wait to see if another club creates a path back to the majors.