Rangers should target former MVP after losing out on Marcell Ozuna, Miguel Andújar

In mid-December, it was reported that the Texas Rangers were seeking to add a right-handed bat. The Rangers could use another righty hitter, as their position player group is notably left-handed heavy. Corey Seager, Brandon Nimmo, Josh Smith, Joc Pederson, Evan Carter and Alejandro Osuna all bat from the left side.

However, about a month after the report, The Dallas Morning News' Shawn McFarland reported that president of baseball operations Chris Young is focusing on improving pitching and "feels pretty good" about Texas' group of position players. The Rangers have since then acquired left-handed starting pitcher MacKenzie Gore and multiple relievers.

Despite the notable improvements made this offseason, the Rangers could use more help on the position player side, especially in the form of a right-handed hitter. Unfortunately, two hitters who would've fit the Rangers' need for a right-handed bat have recently signed with other squads; designated hitter Marcell Ozuna signed a one-year, $12 million deal with the Pittsburgh Pirates, and Miguel Andújar signed a one-year, $4 million deal with the San Diego Padres. Outfielder Austin Hays was another possible target for Texas before he signed a one-year, $6 million deal with the Chicago White Sox.

Since the Rangers have missed out on several formidable right-handed hitters and clearly could use one, they should target former National League MVP Andrew McCutchen, who is unlikely to return to Pittsburgh after the Ozuna signing.

Why Rangers should target former NL MVP Andrew McCutchen after missing out on Marcell Ozuna, Miguel Andújar, others

Last offseason, the Pirates signed McCutchen, who won the 2013 NL MVP award with Pittsburgh, to a one-year, $5 million deal after he posted 0.8 bWAR and a .232/.328/.411 (106 OPS+) slash line in 120 games with the Pirates in 2024. He posted a lowly 0.1 bWAR and a .239/.333/.367 (95 OPS+) slash line in 2025, meaning he more than likely will sign a one-year deal worth less than $5 million this offseason, assuming he still wants to play professional baseball. His affordability makes him an appealing option for the Rangers.

While his overall numbers weren't great last season, McCutchen, 39, would still likely make the Rangers a better team. Last season, he had a 20.7% chase rate (92nd percentile) and 12.2% walk rate (88th percentile), and hit lefties at a solid .267/.353/.389 clip. His right-handed bat would help balance the lineup when facing lefties. He would be a solid designated hitter option for the Rangers and could play corner outfield as well. Even with his older age, he still posted 1 Out Above Average last year.