Former MVP makes Opening Day roster for Rangers

Former National League MVP Andrew McCutchen made the Texas Rangers' roster over fellow outfielder/first baseman Mark Canha, Evan Grant of The Dallas Morning News reported Monday.

McCutchen, a five-time All-Star, put together a fantastic spring, batting .444 with an OPS of 1.361 and driving in seven runs. McCutchen’s numbers were slightly better than Canha’s (.300 BA, .858 OPS, three home runs and six RBI).  

Texas opens the season March 26 at Philadelphia.

Andrew McCutchen should find new life with the Rangers

After spending two different stints with the Pirates (2009-17 and 2023-25), McCutchen should find a second wind in his career with Texas. He won NL MVP with the Pirates in 2013.

The 2023 World Series champions fell off in the past two seasons, finishing 78-84 in 2024 and 81-81 in 2025. But the Rangers should compete for the American League West crown in 2026. The Houston Astros and Seattle Mariners (last season's AL West champions) will be Texas' main competitors. 

Over the past three years, the Pirates finished 223-263 and were never in a pennant race.

A 2012 Gold Glove winner, McCutchen isn't likely to play much, if at all, in the outfield this season. McCutchen has played 20 games in the outfield since 2023, and hasn't played more than 30 games in the outfield since 2022. 

McCutchen should serve as a solid platoon bat to pair with designated hitter Joc Pederson.