Andrew McCutchen's offensive display pretty much guarantees him a roster spot

Maybe there is some more juice left in Andrew McCutchen's tank after all. When the Pittsburgh Pirates let the 39-year-old former NL MVP walk after a mediocre 2025 campaign, there weren't a lot of suitors lining up to acquire the 17-year vet with 332 career home runs and a borderline Hall of Fame case.

But Chris Young and the Rangers made the decision to kick the tires on the talented slugger, and right about now, he is glad he did because all McCutchen has done is show up to Rangers' camp and mash as he did 10 years ago.

He's been so good in just a few weeks in Cactus League play that he has all but secured a spot as a utility outfielder who might slide into a heavy DH role if Joc Pederson continues to struggle at the plate.

Andrew McCutchen is forcing the Rangers' hand with his bat

The Rangers signed McCutchen to a minor league deal worth $1.5 million while he is on the 40-man roster.

For a guy who has made $131.5 million over his illustrious career and is the active league leader in games played (2262) and at bats (8350), while also ranking second in runs (1290), walks (1183), and third in hits (2266). He is out there every day, scratching and clawing to keep playing the game he loves.

A five-time All-Star and four-time Silver Slugger award winner, McCutchen has shown he still has the elite bat speed through the zone, hitting .583 (7-12) with an OPS of 1.539.

Yes, it's a somewhat small sample size, but when you have the extensive track record that McCutchen does, just proving that you still have that mojo with the bat is all you need to do to state your case.

McCutchen may be the answer at DH whether Pederson continues to struggle or not

Initially, McCutchen was battling another veteran in Mark Canha for the 5th and final outfield spot, who could potentially platoon with the slumping Joc Pederson if everything goes well.

Now, he has his sights set on becoming a stalwart at DH and forcing both Pederson and Canha to scramble for consistent at-bats with just one week left until the regular season starts.

It has been one of the best stories to emerge from spring training and is something to keep an eye on moving forward.