MLB legend signs with Braves after disappointing Rangers stint

After a forgettable stint with the Texas Rangers, designated hitter/outfielder Andrew McCutchen agreed to a minor-league deal with the Atlanta Braves on Thursday night, according to the team's transaction log on MLB.com. McCutchen, 39, had signed a minor-league deal with the Rangers in the offseason and then made the team's Opening Day roster after a strong spring training. Texas released the Pittsburgh Pirates legend on May 28 after he hit just .192/.277/.260 (55 wRC+) in 83 plate appearances over 37 games.

The Braves' signing of McCutchen came on the same day the club designated former Rangers first baseman Rowdy Tellez for assignment. Atlanta assigned McCutchen to the FCL Braves on Friday morning.

After McCutchen slashed .429/.556/.714 in 27 plate appearances during spring training, it appeared the Rangers may have found the platoon hitter they've been searching for. Joc Pederson had a rough spring training, which led many to suggest McCutchen should start regularly over Pederson. Obviously, that take didn't age well, with McCutchen signing another minor-league deal more than a month after being released by Texas and Pederson being one of the Rangers' best hitters so far this year.

It's unclear exactly what role McCutchen will play with the Braves. He will likely have to perform well in the minors to get an opportunity with the big-league squad.

Andrew McCutchen seeks to continue his amazing MLB career with the Braves after a Rangers cup of coffee

If McCutchen reaches the majors with Atlanta, it'll mark his seventh MLB team. In addition to the Pirates and Rangers, McCutchen has played for the San Francisco Giants, New York Yankees, Philadelphia Phillies, and Milwaukee Brewers.

If McCutchen, who has accumulated 51.8 fWAR in his 18 MLB seasons, can eventually make the Braves' big-league squad, it will likely be in a platoon/pinch-hitter role. An injury could also be what allows him to join the club's 26-man roster.

Entering Friday, the Braves led the National League East with a 50-35 (.588) record. They appear to be legitimate World Series contenders. McCutchen has accomplished a lot in his MLB career, winning the 2013 NL MVP award and making five All-Star teams, but he has never won a World Series. There's a strong possibility he's in the final year of his baseball career, so it'd be a fitting end to a legendary career if he can help the Braves win their first World Series title since 2021.

It won't be easy for Atlanta to reach the Fall Classic, with the Los Angeles Dodgers and Milwaukee Brewers holding better records and the Philadelphia Phillies just 2 1/2 games back of the team in the NL East standings. Still, there's certainly a strong possibility the Braves could reach the ultimate goal, especially if they add reinforcements at the trade deadline.

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