Andrew McCutchen Facing MLB Retirement Decision After Rangers Announcement
Andrew McCutchen of the Texas Rangers is in his 18th season in the major leagues. McCutchen is third among active players in career hits (2,280), fourth in doubles (453), second in walks (1,192) and first in at-bats (8,423). The four-time Silver Slugger Award winner started his career with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2009, with the five-time All-Star (2011-15) spending the prime of his career in Pittsburgh.
McCutchen finished in the top five in MVP voting from 2012-15 and won the NL MVP in 2013. After leaving the Pirates in 2017, the Florida native split time between the San Francisco Giants and New York Yankees during the 2018 season. The outfielder spent three seasons with the Philadelphia Phillies (2019-21), one season with the Milwaukee Brewers in 2022, and returned to Pittsburgh from 2023-25.
Now in the twilight of his career, the Fort Meade High School graduate has struggled in 2026 with the Texas Rangers. McCutchen has 14 hits in 73 at-bats for a .192 batting average, along with one home run, two doubles and 22 strikeouts. It appears the 39-year-old will have to face a decision on retirement.
On Wednesday, it was announced that McCutchen was designated for assignment by Texas. When a player is designated for assignment, he is immediately removed from the 40-man roster. The team then has seven days to decide whether to trade, waive, release or send the player to the minors.
"Rangers transactions for Wednesday: INF Nicky Lopez (#33) signed," Texas posted on X. "To a one-year major league contract covering the 2026 season. OF Andrew McCutchen designated for assignment."
Rangers transactions for Wednesday:
— Texas Rangers PR (@TXRangersPR) May 27, 2026
-INF Nicky Lopez (#33) signed to a one-year Major League contract covering the 2026 season
-OF Andrew McCutchen designated for assignment
Texas will next face the Houston Astros at Globe Life Field on Wednesday at 8:05 p.m. ET.
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This story was originally published May 27, 2026 at 4:13 PM.