The Texas Rangers designated five-time All-Star Andrew McCutchen for assignment on Wednesday. The Rangers moved the veteran slugger to free agent Nicky Lopez, who is expected to fill the infield void in the absence of Corey Seager and Josh Smith.
McCutchen signed a minor league deal with the Rangers in March. He was promoted to the Opening Day roster to fill the gap as a designated hitter. However, the veteran slugger batted .192 with just one home run in 92 plate appearances for the Rangers.
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MLB fans reacted to the 39-year-old slugger being DFAd by the Rangers.
“He’s at maximum pension anyway. Just retire already.”
“McCutchen is the MLB’s version of Vince Carter. An insane prime followed by a depressing decade as a journeyman.”
“Didn’t even realize he was still in the league.”
“Can someone tell this guy hes 39 and should just hang it up.”
“Terrible signing in the first place. This dude should have checked his ego and retired a while ago.”
The veteran slugger was used as a pinch hitter for the majority of his Rangers stint as he made 21 plate appearances, the most by a pinch hitter this season. He signed for the Rangers after the Pirates moved on from the veteran slugger by bringing in Marcell Ozuna and first baseman Ryan O’Hearn in the offseason.
Rangers manager Skip Schumaker revealed Andrew McCutchen “understood” DFA decision
Andrew McCutchen’s best year came with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2013 when he was named the NL MVP. Rangers manager Skip Schumaker acknowledged his professionalism after Wednesday’s move.
“I played against him during his MVP season,” Rangers manager Skip Schumaker said. “I know who this guy is and I got to know him even better this year. Those are not easy, but part of the game. He was a pro and understood.”
McCutchen has a .271 career average with 333 homers, 1,157 RBIs and 220 stolen bases in 2,299 games.
Edited by Chaitanya Prakash