March 6: McCutchen passed his physical, and the Rangers have formally announced his signing.
March 5: The Rangers are bringing veteran outfielder Andrew McCutchen aboard on a minor league contract with an invitation to big league camp, reports Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News. The Aegis Sports client’s base salary would be $1.25MM if he makes the team, per Grant. It can max out around $2.5MM if he makes the roster and hits his full slate of incentives, per Jeff Wilson of DLLS Sports.
McCutchen, 39, is years removed from peak form but still turned in a .239/.333/.367 slash (95 wRC+) last year in what now looks like his final season with the Pirates. His .267/.353/.389 output against left-handed pitching was a bit above average, and he knocked lefties around at a heftier .261/.383/.410 clip as recently as 2023.
For the past three years, McCutchen has suited back up for his original club in Pittsburgh, where he was a first-round pick who broke out as a star and eventually won National League MVP honors. The hope for both McCutchen and the Pirates was that he’d return to play out his final seasons where it all began, leading a more competitive Bucs club back to the playoffs in the twilight of his career.
That storybook ending never came to be. Pittsburgh struggled in each of the past three seasons, finishing under .500 each year along the way. The Bucs fired manager Derek Shelton last May and took a more urgent and aggressive approach to building up their offense this winter. Pittsburgh acquired Brandon Lowe via trade and signed free agents Ryan O’Hearn and Marcell Ozuna. They had even bigger targets throughout the winter (e.g. Kyle Schwarber, Josh Naylor, Kazuma Okamoto, Eugenio Suárez). All those pursuits cast doubt on whether there was room for one more go-around with McCutchen on what’d have been a more nostalgic/sentimental reunion. Last month’s signing of Ozuna all but confirmed that the book on the three-year reunion with McCutchen had been closed.
McCutchen now heads to the Rangers in hopes of grabbing a bench spot. His right-handed bat makes for a natural platoon complement alongside designated hitter Joc Pederson. Cutch could also see some time in the outfield corners when Texas faces off against left-handed starters, with Wyatt Langford shifting over to center field in place of lefty-swinging Evan Carter, who has just five hits in 68 career plate appearances against southpaws.
There’s little sense citing McCutchen’s career .289/.387/.514 slash against lefties, since so much of that is influenced by otherworldly production during his MVP peak. However, even over the three seasons in his late-career return to PNC Park, McCutchen hit .244/.353/.392 in 435 plate appearances. That sort of production is more solid than eye-catching, but it’d still mark an upgrade over the awful .225/.290/.363 batting line the Rangers turned in versus left-handed pitching in 2025.
Braves. Seriously, I don’t understand what you’re doing?
All my best to Cutch, though. Love that guy and hope he has a great season.
Braves cant really do anything with that 18M until the MLBPA concludes their appeal of Profar’s suspension. Profar’s suspension doesn’t actually go into effect until tomorrow.
I get that but they surely could have signed a similar deal for Cutch.
The Braves have a great framework of a lineup but they are really setting themselves up for desperation signings at the deadline if they are competitive at that point.
Braves won’t do anything at the deadline except sign a dfa or something. They’ll have that “dry powder”, but won’t spend it unless another acre or two next to the Battery becomes available.
@brave — They won a WS by Deadline moves. I get that it’s been awhile, but AA reminds everyone every press conference with that massive nugget on his finger.
@brave – Now that you say that watch AA pull of a stunner and land Buxton in a trade.
Cutch is a short side DH only. Is that really what the Braves need? I thought they wanted an OF.
Has it ever occurred to anyone here that MCutchen preferred Texas over Atlanta? Better pathway to playing time, maybe a tick more money, etc.
A tick more money than a MiLB contract…? I’d imagine ATL’s offer, if there was one, would at least by a ML deal, if not one with incentives, so I can’t imagine that money is the issue considering we all know they’re saving 18M (inc. lux tax) from Profar’s 2nd shot at relevance.
It feels like posters are remembering the Cutch five years ago.
The money kicks in if he makes the team. Braves may have dangled 2M if Cutch makes the team while the Rangers offered 2.5M instead.
That all said, the pathway for McCutchen to get on the Braves is murky because he is not a viable outfielder anymore. Rangers have a more open situation at DH and a greater need for a right handed depth bat.
I don’t expect much ball knowledge from the comment sections of MLBTR.
Braves aren’t rebuilding are they? Why would they would a old low power dh who can’t run well anymore? Should have just kept Ozuna who still has power.
@AI GM — Except no room with Profar. How were they supposed to know he would get popped again? Even then, they still wouldn’t have the flexibility they want with the DH spot when Murph returns. What more do they need to do to convince folks that’s how they want to use the DH after a few years of having it plugged up?
@RunDMC Can’t answer your questions. I never suggested otherwise.
Rundmc, almost every team in recent World Series history had a full time DH. Even the NL teams pre DH had a guy that was basically a DH playing the field
Stanton
Ohtani
Alvarez
Ozuna
Schwarber
Springer
JDM
The best teams have DH “clogged”. You don’t win by rotating lesser hitters there. You win by putting out the best lineup possible
I will say this again about Profar forget the appeal and be a man and serve your 162 game suspension and as far as mccutchen goes I’m happy for him that he gets to play one more season and shame on the Pirates for not allowing him to finish his career in Pittsburgh and I hope he gets into the HOF and his plague has a blank cap
Let ne fix that for you, shame on Cutch for not letting career end in PIT.
As for the ATL comment, would u have preferred they dfa’d White to make a roster spot? It sounds as tho he ll be on TEX 40-man and that was why he chose signing there. People all too often question teams not signing someone yet pay no mind to the fact roster spots are a very limited resource.
I don’t know how the appeal process works but if Profar takes up a 40-man roster spot until his appeal is done, he’s screwed the Braves even more by hamstringing them this way. Can’t play while he’s suspended and they can’t fill his position until his appeal is done.
You dont know about White, you don’t know about 40-man roster, it seems there’s alot you dont know. Maybe you are not in a position to be questioning here.
Calm down man. In no way was my comment attacking your comment about the 40-man roster. I legitimately didn’t know.
But you’re right, I won’t waste my time questioning your superior judgment.
shame on everyone who thinks Cutch didn’t want to end his career in Pittsburgh
You should have ended your comment with “I don’t know how the appeals process works.”
It’s literally another 24 hours. Big whoop. No way the Braves “miss out” on anyone special because they have to wait until Friday to sign someone, in M A R C H, instead of doing it today.
Ok, so you actually helped to prove my point.
The 40-man roster spot was not the issue for not signing Cutch, which is what I was responding to. They wouldn’t have had to DFA White. They could have signed Cutch and waited for the appeal process to finish and used Profar’s spot. Teams don’t have to make a roster move right away as they wait for physicals to clear and such.
Ozuna > Cutch
Refsnyder > Cutch
Rosario > Cutch
Goldschmidt > Cutch
Tauchman > Cutch
Cutch is a low power dh who can walk a lil bit. Platoon splits are better but still pathetic.
Very true but all of these guys signed before Profar was suspended. I don’t think they should have signed any of these guys except maybe Ozuna before the Profar news.
Cutch could have ended his career in Pittsburgh. He’s played there for the last three seasons. It was his choice to keep playing. The only thing he does well is take walks. I would have rather seen 61-year old Barry Bonds take DH at bats. I’d doubt the results would have been much different.
I wasn’t responding to you, Sandlot
Tigers, the Pirates didn’t offer him a contract, what was he supposed to do?
The problem I have with the Pirates is when they signed Ozuna they were basically telling cutch he is finished in Pittsburgh he could have played anywhere he wanted but chose to play for the Pirates
Winning more important than keeping cutch around for sentimental charity
Are you extending Cherington? Because if Nutting kept Cutch he is basically decreasing the odds of winning.
@Sandlot I never claimed to have superior judgement. I do however have basic knowledge of the players on their roster unlike some people….
@phillies Im all for someone extending their career by any means if they so wish. I do however believe they give up any right to sentiment or nostalgia.
If Cutch wanted to end career in PIT he was given a very reasonable opportunity to do so. He however wishes to play at age 39 at a point where it seems no team is even going to guarantee him a spot on MLB roster. Im in no way a fan of Nutting, but I find it very hard to fault PIT on this one as they gave Cutch ample opportunity to end his career with the team.
When are you referring to that he could have played anywhere he wanted but choose PIT??
Cutch played for the Yankees Phillies and I think the Brewers but he wanted to end his career as a Pirate but I guess he will finish his career as a Ranger and I’m okay with that he’s been a favorite player of mine ever since he came into the league back in 2009 I was even a fan of Ichiro but I didn’t like him playing for the Yankees
He has played for PIT the last 3 seasons, he had every opportunity to end his career at a reasonable date in PIT.
Yes that is true but he still felt he could still contribute to the team but I also understand that his time there was not guaranteed I’m happy that he’s getting one last chance to continue to play the game
Bonds probably could still pull one into the cove.
@TheMan3 sorry, I wasn’t responding to you either. I like MLBTR but the comments section can be hard to track sometimes because indentations only go so far and it’s hard to tell who’s responding to who haha
and if by chance Ozuna lands on the IL for an extended period of time, which right handed bat replaces him at DH?
Joey Bart who is 1-14 in spring training games?
Steve Cook?
Whether Cutch wasn’t a good enough player to sign to a major league contract they could have signed him to a minor league contract for depth
Sorry to burst your bubble but Cutch wasn’t given the opportunity to end his career in Pittsburgh
He was led to believe that there was a chance he would sign this season until Ozuna was signed
When and where was he led to believe this? Please provide a link or some proof to validate said claim.
As for if he was “led to believe” he still was looking at going into his age 39 season as a free agent. He absolutely should have known a contract for 2026 was anything but guaranteed.
Why? Don’t the Braves already have a 0.1 WAR – equivalent player tee’d up for the OF? Cutch was great in his time, but he hasn’t even been a 2.0 bWAR player since his age 30-season, and has had sub-replacement level numbers with the exception of the juiced-ball 2021 HR total since 2018.
Right now their FG depth chart shows Baldwin starting at catcher and at DH. Dubon also will need to cover SS until Kim is back so they really have no outfield depth. Having someone like Cutch that can be a steady (and cheap!) DH at least until Kim is back, maybe even until Murphy is back is a smart thing to do. I don’t understand how the Braves think they’re going to field a consistently competitive team right now given their hesitancy to shore up any of their vulnerable positions.
Braves can get by with Eli White until Murphy and Kim get back in May…not clear to me that Cutch is much if an an upgrade to White at this point. When Kim gets back Dubon is a perfect platoon partner with Yaz. Catchers can DH most of the time when Murphy returns.
I don’t honestly know White–maybe his defense makes up for his lack of offensive production (only an 84 wRC+ last year compared to Cutch’s 95). Cutch isn’t going to give you much in the field–he’s not awful by any means but he’s not a guy you put out there back to back days. But it seems his bat has more of a ceiling than White’s and wouldn’t have cost much. If this was the first time this offseason I’ve seen the Braves not make moves to shore up a need, I’d not think anything of it. But they need pitching and now they need a bat. It’s just surprising.
I’ve said this about the Braves before–they can field a strong 9 man lineup but they lack depth in almost every position. Dubon is a good fill in but he can only fill in one position at a time. If they face any injuries whatsoever, they are in deep trouble and their AAA reinforcements for position players is weak. Cutch is a great 26th man to have, particularly on a team that doesn’t have great OF options.
@Sandlot If you dont know anything about White why are you even questioning what Braves are doing? He played over 100 games for them last season.
Maybe you should try following the Braves before questioning their roster decisions.
Braves. Soler.
I’d love to have Cutch on my team just because he’s Andrew McCutchen. And my team is the ChiSox. The info he could relay to the young guys in Chicago would be worth his salary. There are just some players that deserve that extra 2-3 years on a teams roster just because….He is one of them. Always followed this guy for whatever reason & I been baseball fan since 1971. There’s been about 5 players throughout my Fandom I followed the whole career. Baseball does that to people. Beautiful game at that.
Cutch is a great guy and was a great baseball player. I also love him just as a great human. And you’re right–he does deserve 3 extra years on a roster, which the Pirates gave him.
The trouble is that teams have a finite number of roster spaces on the 26-man. The Pirates are facing the very real problem right now of having too many good OF to have them all up in the majors. It’s a great problem but I can’t imagine making that decision if we were also trying to keep Cutch on the roster, too. The only place he fits is the DH spot as the roster is currently constructed and, no disrespect to him, I’d much rather have Ozuna in that slot than him.
One of the other things to keep in mind is that Cutch has a lot to teach younger players but I honestly don’t know how much of a true leader he is. He’s not a detriment by any means but I’ve never gotten the sense that he keeps people in line or calls out guys for poor play or not hustling. Honestly, that was more Pham last year. Cutch has been a lot quieter so I don’t know how much that actually translates to actually leading others rather than being a good example for others. The Pirates need more vocal leadership and this is why Skenes has been so good for this team.
Well said. Cutch is a great guy but not really a leader, and nobody is pushing to make him a coach. Pirates were leaderless last year until Kelly took over – Cutch, Reynolds and Cruz are not vocal clubhouse leaders. Pirates knew they were going to push harder to compete in 26 so should have had the guts to tell Cutch that he would not be back and allow him a farewell tour.
Cutch is basically done as a major league player. The Braves have no need at all for a part-time DH who’s going to have trouble keeping his OPS+ even close to 100, much less above it. I highly doubt that he’ll be able to crack the Rangers opening day roster.
you keep saying that but without any evidence except your opinion, Hank
True, his stats last year were not great but no one on that team had an overwhelming season
so it mattered who was in the lineup batting before and after him
@Old Buc We dont know that it wasnt mentioned to him. It very well could have and he said his desire is to continue playing. They could have then left it open as to his future with the team.
Im not going to make any assumptions and a player who is looking at being a DH with his production should know his time was very limited and an age 39 season was questionable at best.
For a DH is stats haven’t been even good since 2018. Id say thats ample evidence.
The guy is 39 years old to try and spin it as though his 2025 stats were due to lack of lineup protection is just not realistic whatsoever. He hasn’t been productive for a DH for well over 5 seasons even in a season with a juiced ball.
Why would he go to a team that won’t be competitive? At least with the Rangers, he will have a chance at the postseason.
Maaaayyybe as a WC3 if they’re lucky, but the Rangers were one-and-done.
Yeah I don’t understand what they’re doing. It’s like they’re purposefully letting the Phillies, Mets, and Marlins finish ahead of them again.
If you’re mad that your team didn’t sign a washed up 40 year old. Your season is already over.
@ DarrenDreifortsContract I’m not mad at all that he didn’t sign with my team because we don’t need him I’m a diehard Bluejays fan I’m just happy he’s getting a chance to play one more season
Don’t hurt anyone kicking rocks, Braves fans.
Oh I’m going to……..
Is pounding sand ok?
No! It has to be a hard object
Such a nice day to go fly a kite.
Yes Fred, it’s a wonderful day in the neighborhood……lol
Tommy Pham
Hope he makes the roster. Wish he had been back in Pittsburgh but I get why they moved on.
Why would wish for such a awful thing
Red Sox fan
Since Andruw Jones is in the HOF, McCutchen should get in easily.
Like by buying an admission ticket? I get in just as easily for $25.
True, but Hiflew has a point since the HOF has become the Hall of Very Good.
It’s been the Hall of good for a while…. Ray Schalk, Freddie Lindstrom, GEORGE KELLY?!!
I love Cutch and I can’t wait to have my picture next to his statue at PNC Park. I hope the Pirates retire his number as quickly as they can cause he’s been transformative to this franchise.
BUT
He’s not a HOF unless he has some crazy remaining years of his career. OF that were better than him that are not in:
Bernie Williams
Jim Edmonds
Lance Berkman
Johnny Damon
What did Cutch win in Pittsburgh? Nothing.
Love Cutch, too, but you’re right.
And you didn’t even include the highest non-HOFer Kenny Lofton.
It’s also interesting to see Mike Trout – career derailed by injuries – behind only Mays, Cobb, Speaker, and Mantle.
baseball-reference.com/leaders/jaws_CF.shtml
Also Al Oliver
Dwight Evans was better than all of t hem.
Our hearts? Won me some sammiches from North Shore Nine?
It takes more than just one player to win a championship
Cutch brought excitement, fans and three consecutive playoff appearances to Pittsburgh
He won an MVP award, finished second in two other seasons, 4 silver slugger awards and a Gold Glove
He ranks 3rd all time in homers, behind Kiner and Stargell
He’s scored more than 1100 runs, over 400 doubles, 331 homers, 1200+ rbi and more than 1000 career walks
Better stats than any Pirate player over the last 25 years
@BobNutting:
The Pirates lack of titles during Andrew’s peak years were not his fault. The fault was with the cast of players management provided.
It’s not surprising how little people know about who is in the Hall of Fame. There are a handful of players elected in the early days that made them the “Hall of Very Good.” Frankie Frisch’s crony VC elections in the 70s threw gas on that fire.
You don’t use people you consider mistakes to elect further mistakes.
Love that you have Bernie on there. Hopefully Veterans Committee inducts him and Posada.
Why not? It is just a museum after all. It is not a canon of saints. These players are only elected in order to get people to come pay money to visit the museum. They can give everyone that ever played a plaque if they wanted to. People make WAY too much out of the HOF. I know because I used to be one of them.
The HOF has become a travesty. Now they let guys in….basically, because they were not caught with PEDs. It’s just stupid.
An outside shot, at best. He’s more qualified than some that are in there, but I wouldn’t hold my breath.
His comparables are Chili Davis, Torii Hunter and Reuben Sierra, so maybe not…
He might make it into the HOF in 2050 by committee, if we still exist.
Cutch is near
350 HR’s
2500 hits
1200 RBI
MVP
Yeah, Jones very good player but not HOFer for me. And being a ChiSox fan I don’t believe Harold Baines should not be in. Not gonna talk about Jeff Kent either.
Should rename Hall Of Fame to Hall Of The Very Good.
there’s always been players like this in the hall it’s just a matter of how old you are that determine which ones annoy you.
I have really good news though which is that it doesn’t matter at all.
There is no way Harold Baines belongs in the Hall of Fame and by the way Andruw Jones was better than Harold Baines.
I 100% agree bootsday. I saw both Baines and Mazeroski play alot of games and at no point did I envision either becoming Hall of Famers. Andruw would have gotten in much sooner had his production not fallen off a cliff after turning 30.
You don’t use mistakes as the bar for election. If you did that, then many modern players are Hall of Famers because they’re all better than George “High Pockets” Kelly.
Jones had a decade long peak as probably the best defensive CF in the game. If you just consider his Braves numbers alone he’s a Hall of Famer.
Baines, while a solid hitter didn’t reach any offensive milestone (3000 hits, 500 Home Runs) to justify being enshrined. Especially when guys like Dale Murphy and Dwight Evans, with very comparable numbers aren’t in
If I’m not mistaken Harold Baines was the first official DH to get into the HOF it’s what has allowed Edgar Martinez and David Ortiz to join him and as for Mccutchen going to the Rangers he can platoon with Joc Pederson at DH because cutch eats LHP for breakfast and he’s okay against RHP
Andruw Jones doesn’t belong there and neither does Cutch. Both darn good players, but not HOF-worthy. Enough of this “Trophies for all”.
I think his injury in 2019 cost McCutchen the Hall of Fame. McCutchen was on pace for a big late-peak year out of the leadoff spot with 100 runs scored and 100 walks, and the Phillies would have made the playoffs if he was healthy all year. He lost 100 games to that injury and then lost 100 more to Covid in 2020.
I hope Cutch goes all “Hunter Pence” with the Rangers this year.
If he does and history repeats itself, that means he’ll sign with the Pirates the following year and forget how to hit like Pence did with the Giants.
One last hurrah!
Sad to see McCutchen go, but I understand it was something that had to be done.
I am glad he is getting a shot so we can see what another organization thinks of his remaining skill set. I don’t think he has much left in the tank and will have trouble making the team. Even if he does, I don’t think he will be much of a contributor. The Pirates handled his situation very poorly but I think they properly evaluated his capability.
He was signed to a minor league contract – that’s the answer.
39, and took a minor league contract? That says something, but not sure what.
Pirates did not handle it poorly. They gave him a shot last year, he performed like any other way-past-his-prime 39 y/o would, and they moved onto someone who’s been a better hitter recently.
Rough to see Cutch potentially have his last big-league games somewhere that isn’t Pittsburgh. The Rangers won’t even be at home during the local furry convention for him to pop off (iykyk).
people are missing the point about how Cutch was unfairly treated by management
They left him hanging until the very last moment to tell him that they were going in a different direction this upcoming season
There was talks between him, Cherington and Nutting this past winter and Cutch was under the impression that they would sign him for one more season
Jeez I hate it when people think they know everything when they don’t know squat
Why did you put this complaint under my comment?
are you aware that the site decides where opinions are posted?
SMH
You posted it as a reply to me.
100% correct. The Pirates had no obligation to re-sign McCutchen, but it was underhanded behavior to leave him on the back burner while they pursued other players.
The classy way to do it would have been for Cherington to meet with him after the season and just tell him straight up, we don’t have a roster spot for you in 2026. We could create a coaching or front office position for you if you want to go in those directions, but if you want to play in 2026 you should sign with someone else. But the Pirates NEVER do things the classy way.
@TheMan3 – your first two sentences are correct. Stop there. There were no talks betw the FO and Cutch this past winter…..it was total silence. Until late Jan. when Cutch sees the roster spots going to 4 newly acquired players, 3 of whom who could easily be DH any given ballgame.
Such a great guy I’ll even root for him in a division rival’s uniform.
I’m an Orioles fan and felt the same way when Ichiro signed with the Yankees in the twilight of his career.
Even in pinstripes, I just could not bring myself to root against him.
Cleveland fans feel that way about Josh Bell on the Twins this year </3
McCutchen would have been a good fit with the Guardians this year too, he could have backed up four lefthanded hitters in the outfield/DH.
Definitely, I had kind of hoped we’d sign him before signing Hoskins
LOL.
Joc Peterson is a joke
Maybe so, but Joc Pederson was a stud in pearls
I can’t believe as many teams need a right handed OF that he couldn’t find a better gig. Especially team like Cardinals who need one plus a veteran leader!
Probably because hes not a OF anymore..
I mean a major league contract. No disrespect to Rangers and Skip
Harold Baines couldn’t hold a candle to the stats of Cutch yet he’s in the HOF
As a White Sox fan, I wholeheartedly agree. McCutchen won an MVP, he was a huge factor in them making the playoffs in his prime and he’s got the other counting stats like doubles that make him standout.
Harold Baines and Bill Mazoroski are two HOFers who have no business being in there. If they’re in all of the above deserve to be in.
Mazeroski won 8 Gold Gloves, set a major league record for double plays in both a season and career
It was his defense that got him inducted
Hey man 3 I see another troll is harping on maz not belonging in the hall. Give it a break outfieldflygoof. The man just passed. Go get a life. There are enough problems in the country,without moronic posts.
As far as Cutch. Sad to see it end this way. But he must move on. Like the emperor chas said yo Franco. Get on with your life’s work.
8 gold gloves…Maz couldn’t hit a lick–hit 7th or 8th his entire career with pitchers hitting. 2B not even an elite position so don’t throw shortstops out there. I was a Pirate fan back in the 60’s and 70’s and those Pirate teams had crappy pitching staffs, allowed a ton of runners creating more double play opportunities than most teams.
Complete and abject baloney. He couldn’t hit a lick? Maybe we have different connotations about hitting.
His defense alone makes him Hall-worthy and any ground ball hit his way was an automatic out. He turned DP’s seamlessly. And yeah, his HR was iconic, an occurrence most older baseball fans would term the greatest homer in WS history. Given his era, he certainly belonged.
And I’ll put it to you. If defense doesn’t denote Hall worthiness then how do relief pitchers who often throw a third or two thirds of an inning garner induction?
Because everyone that pitchers who get batters to hit ground balls to infielders are the WORST.
he batted 8th for the entire 1966 season and still drove in 82 runs
You don’t know what you’re talking about
Maz’ career OPS was 667/84 OPS+… that’s pretty damn terrible in any era. And I have no idea how to compare 2B and relief pitchers and I’ve been following baseball since the 60’s.
Maz wasn’t playing for his offense, it was his defense that made him a great player
Do you realize that defense wins games too or is offense your only argument for winning?
One of the defining criteria for a HOFer (before they watered it down) was a player that was dominant over a long period. Maz was the top defensive player in the game for a decade. Same argument for Brooks Robinson. That’s good enough for me.
Geez…at least Brooks Robinson was a better than average MLB hitter(105 OPS+) and accumulated TWICE as much WAR than Maz did. Not even a good comparison…
So you’re telling me that a glove only second baseman—not a SS mind you—but a glove only 2B who only accumulated 36.5 WAR in his career deserves to be in the Hall of Fame??? Btw ..defense already counts inside that WAR figure….24.2 for his defense and 12.3 for his anemic offense. 36.5 WAR is ridiculously low for a Hall of Famer.
The 60’s? You have? And here you are, relying on meaningless stats. Did you watch the guy play? Apparently not, if you’re spouting analytics. Perhaps you’re getting him confused with Freddie Patek because he was a middle of the road hitter and not the Punch and Judy variety you’re claiming him to be
It’s funny you’re equating 2nd basemen as somehow meaningless. Joe Morgan would like to have a word with you
So Robinson belongs but Max doesn’t. And you’re basing this on analytics that don’t begin to address the era and the types of players of that time
I remember seeing Brooks in the 71 series and thinking Pirates pitchers had no fear of his hitting. I guess that would apply to numerous big games the guy played in. Great defensive 3rd baseman. Belongs in the Hall. Pretty decent comparison to Maz. But you know what? I’d rather had have Maz at the plate in a big at bat than Brooks
Whether he sunk the Yankees in a similar situation or not
There is no comparison of Maz to Brooks. Look at the numbers. Brooks had some really productive offensive years (8 seasons with 80+ RBIs), 78.3 WAR, 16 GGs, and the vaunted MVP plus garnering MVP votes in 11 other seasons. Throw in 2 WS titles, and also passes the eye test for sure. Funny thing is, I was following baseball (as a kid) during the Maz years but looking back, I only seem to remember that WS homer. He was good, but HOF?
Yeah, bad comparison between these two guys and admittedly my reaction was likely of the knee-jerk variety. Apologies
Maz was never a Mendoza-like hitter and references to where he hit in the lineup are fallacious at best. But unless we’re going to examine the feats of all who’ve been inducted and not going to take into account their attributes in their era, why even make comparisons?
While I don’t think his homer alone made him Hall-worthy, I have no doubt that it did raise the national consciousness of how underdogs can excel at the highest level of the game and propelled interest in the WS and game at large.
Beyond that, it comes down to what individuals perceive defensive mastery to be. To me at least, his glove work ensured as many wins as the home run hitter who occasionally bombs one in even the most lopsided wins or losses, or the relief pitcher who throws a third of an inning or two-thirds and saves wins
That’s just me, of course. To me, it’s a no-brainer
Oh there are others but who are we….that only played up to high school baseball. Then Adult softball for 25 more years.
Bill passed away in the last couple weeks, he was a great player and he is in the Hall of Fame. Can he rest in peace for a while?
I did not see this coming! Low-risk deal with much to gain and little to lose.
But honestly, I would’ve preferred him to stay in Pittsburgh for one last year.
Cutch is better than Joc Pederson
I hope that the Rangers allow Cutch to have a farewell tour at each stadium they play at
Which would be a slap in the face of the Pirates franchise
MARCELL Ozuna signing helped the Rangers. Joc can’t play for lefty but Andrew can this is a great sign for Texas.
I like Cutch. A guy who played hard. A guy who lives here with his wife and kids. I agree the Pirates could have done better than this ending, it I’m not sure that what we saw last year isn’t his high point at this moment in his career
Glad to see Cutch sign somewhere. Will be a good influence on the team if nothing else.
Surprised Philly didn’t take a flier given the coming suspension of Johan Rojas. Minor league deal, costs the Rangers nothing but gives a nice RH option to Pederson, especially now as Duran might be called on for regular 3B duties to start the season
So what would be the chances of Cutch taking ABs from Schwarber? He’s no longer an OF.
The article mentions him as an OF option. He would be a RH option to Marsh against Lefties
How many 39 year outfielders are there. Maybe he can still play. He actually looked fine the few times he was out there but he didn’t play much.
At this point he’s emergency-only as a corners guy.
McCutchen is a far better outfielder than Castellanos. Hell, the Phillies even trotted Schwarber out there to left field a few times last year. McCutchen, Crawford, and Garcia would be a far better defensive and offensive outfield than last year’s alignment of Kepler, Marsh, and Castellanos.
It’s too late in Spring Training to get him ramped up so if he makes the team, it’s sympathy. He’d take it too since his pride is long gone after his diva rant.
you continue to reveal your ignorance with every post
You say ignorance, I say forward thinking brilliance. Call it a tie.
problem is that you’ve never been right about anything
Cutch is HOF material
Pirates HOF
He has put together a really nice career but I don’t think he gets in.
The love fest with Cutch is crazy to me. He’s 39. Can’t play the outfield anymore. He is the hot chick in highschool you run into at your 20th high school reunion and realize everyone gets old. Pirates fans always complain that the team does very minimal every off season to get better and this year they actually made a bunch of moves which historically is not typical with the pirates. But once again, all the yinzers wanted a nostalgia cutch signing for the “feelies”. Cutch signing a minor league deal pretty much confirms he has run out of time. He would have never signed a minor league deal with the pirates due to his ego. His rant a month ago on social media pretty much closed his pirates chapter. Good luck. I predict cutch retires or is released this summer. He is not going to ride buses to minor league games just to wear a uniform.
Ive seen so many pirates fans wishing him well and thanking him but have also voiced their opinion that it was time to move on. It’s kind of similar to Votto and the Reds.(without the heavy contract commitment) both players are revered in their cities, but the smart baseball fan understands why a farewell year isn’t always in the best interest of the team
I disagree
Cutch was treated horribly by Cherington this offseason and even he admits as much
You can blame Cutch to your heart’s content but facts reveal otherwise as to how the franchise handled Cutch
But bro, your username is Jose Lind, and you don’t understand fans attachment to a Pirates player?
Evidently Cutch does not have enough money. Sad.
For a future HOF, take what you can get
What a weird comment from a sad person
if money was the issue, he wouldn’t have signed for $2.5 million
Ridiculous nonsense of a comment.
Dude wants to play and a team wants him. What is there to be upset about?
$138+M. Not a HOFer. Once he turned 31, he became mediocre. Like Andruw Jones.
For Baines,
Few players in baseball history combined the longevity and consistency of Harold Baines. Baines was one of the most productive batters in baseball throughout his 22-year career, and his career numbers place him on the leaderboards for many important hitting statistics. When he was elected to the Hall of Fame by the Veterans Committee as part of its 2019 class, every eligible player with more career hits and RBI than him had already been inducted. Based on similarity scores, the player most similar to Harold Baines is Tony Perez, a Hall of Famer. Remarkably, Baines recorded double-digit homers every season from 1980 to 1997. He was the all-time leader for designated hitters in career hits, homers, and RBI when he retired (although he has since been passed by David Ortiz), and was one of the greatest players in the history of the Chicago White Sox.
Maybe BAINES really deserves the HOF
Baines was never even close to elite. He was pretty good for a long time, but so many other players were the same way and never get the chance. The vast majority of hall of famers were elite performers and did have elite seasons for a long long time.
Yes, I don’t see why he’s considered an outrageous inclusion. I was surprised when he got elected, but he has 2866 hits and 1062 walks. So he has been on base more than some guys who have 3000 hits, and he has almost 400 home runs too.
I think we can conclude that the BBWAA and the HOF each have their own criteria for HOF election. I respect each organization’s processes.
*******
Also, for those arguing that the HOF is now watered down, the game and its’ stats have evolved/changed. With medical/tech/analytics advancements, players today are simply better and play at a higher level of competition. One can’t argue that the world population hasn’t grown with a greater selection of talent. Saying otherwise only means that one hasn’t adapted to these changes.
Perez was never GG caliber at either 1st or 3rd, but, dang, he didn’t just sit in the dugout between PAs for 15 or more seasons.
It must be hard to imagine an aging baseball player who loves the game and is willing to continue working at it in order to play to the best of his ability even if it’s not the best that he’s ever been. Why don’t we just create a human race where everyone just keels over dead on their 35th birthday? That would seem to make everyone here happy.
I beg to di
You must have seen the movie Logan’s Run where no lives past the age of 30
Yeah, yeah I think I will..um..retire.
Pirates lineup was too deep to make the cut
Man that feels good to say
@theman3. How was cutch treated horribly? What do the pirates owe a 39 year old who needs to retire? Anyone who thinks the pirates owe him a roster spot are the same people who complain that the pirates never do anything to improve the team. Just because cutch was a stud over 10 years ago doesn’t mean the pirates needed to sign him cause the yinzers own his jersey and bobblehead. Time to move on. I’m glad the pirates tried to get better this offseason than have a 39 take a roster spot.
Pay attention outside of your bubble and research how Cherington admitted to treating Cutch unfairly
I suspect you think because it’s not being reported here it must be just a lie or theory
I loved Cutch ever since I saw him playing with the Indianapolis Indians, coming up in the Pirates system. He was always one of my favorite players in MLB, regardless of team. I always held out some hope he might get a season or two in a Cubs uniform, and thought he might make sense as a bench player/DH this year, but I’m glad he still found somewhere to play this year.
Pirates made the right decision to go a different direction, are you benching mangum or sitting Ozuna for Cutch but I am happy he found a different home and wish him nothing but the best
Honestly, Pittsburgh is the Browns of the MLB
What does WC Fields’ gravestone say again? “I’d rather be here than in Philadelphia?” He’d be pleased to know that the country’s ugliest city still produces deep thinkers like you
Absolutely not, the Browns have no history of winning. The Pirates have won the World Series more than most teams.
The Pirates are just bad these days in their own uniquely depressing way.
One gold glove. lol. Hall of good.
He’s toast and won’t make the team.
A+ Pirates
A+ Rangers
What a horrible look for the Braves.
Horrible they didn’t sign a below average old dh.
Lifetime .289 vs lefties.Not a bad pick up for a platoon split.
Using lifetime numbers start him in center field every day.
Great move for the Rangers, great move for McCutchen. Olive Garden near Globe Life Field is about to get some big postgame business from McCutchen’s crew. I was hoping he would sign with the Phillies but I’m just happy to see him land somewhere.
I guess we’ll never see a Bucs team that keeps a guy like Mazeroski on the roster for sentimental reasons well past the point of his usefulness.
He’s always been one of my favorite players. I just wish the Rangers would have signed him about five years earlier.
Way to go Rangers. Knock’em dead Cutch.
OK, good luck to him. But I really don’t quite get why fans, not just in Pittsburgh but everywhere, seem to be so sentimental about this guy. He did NOT play his whole career with one team, he is NOT a superstar, and there have never been any real indications that he is an unusually good guy.
As a student of the rhetoric of language, I suspect it is at least partly because they like to say “Cutch.” It’s a pleasingly old-fashioned-sounding nickname and it rolls off the tongue in a nice way.
No, you’re off there. He represents the last era that could be looked at as “good teams” here in Pittsburgh. And whether you’d call him a superstar or not, he was the leader of those teams. Yeah, there’s sentimental thinking in that alone but add to that he made his home here and shows up at many sporting and cultural events here.
It has nothing to do with nicknames.
This franchise continually misses where its fan base and locals in general are concerned. Last year’s PR nightmares regarding the removal of fan-purchased, “ lifetime” Bucco bricks, the removal of the Clemente display in RF to hoist advertising instead and its mishandling of bobble head giveaways were emblematic of the feeling that it’s all corporate greed with this group. But while perhaps Cutch didn’t figure into their plans to strengthen its lineup and roster, its handling of the process was insulting to this kind of player who is as you say, beloved here
Cutch is a good man. He deserved better treatment. That’s all
This contract will look like a steal by mid season. Let’s go McClutchen!
There are also some indications that Cutch is a good guy, at least in the eyes of Pittsburgh fans. He’s made his permanent home in the area and been very active in the community. He’s personable in interviews, just about always makes himself available to the media when asked, and comes across as straightforward and honest to most. Pittsburgh fans relate well to hard workers and people who don’t hide behind worn out cliches in press conferences.
Loved him when he played for the Phillies. Was so happy that he was going to retire as a pirate. Very disappointed that didn’t happen.