Braves sign veteran Andrew McCutchen to minor league deal
The Atlanta Braves signed former NL MVP Andrew McCutchen to a minor league contract on Friday, adding a 39-year-old veteran bat as they chase stronger Braves score production during an NL East title push. McCutchen was released by the Texas Rangers on May 27 and is expected to report to Triple-A Gwinnett.
McCutchen hit .192 in 37 games for Texas as a designated hitter, pinch hitter and outfielder before his release. Atlanta, sitting at 50-35 and leading the NL East, continues its search for a veteran who can provide offensive help down the stretch.
Key Takeaways
- McCutchen signed a minor league deal with Atlanta on Friday after the Rangers cut him in May.
- He is expected to join Triple-A Gwinnett as he tries to work his way back to the majors.
- The signing follows Atlanta's minor league deal with Carlos Santana, 40, signed last week.
- McCutchen is the 2013 NL MVP, a five-time All-Star and former Gold Glove winner.
- Atlanta also recalled Anthony Molina and designated Ian Hamilton for assignment on Friday.
Why did the Braves sign Andrew McCutchen?
Atlanta is actively searching for veteran bats who can boost an offense that needs more punch. ESPN reported the club signed McCutchen in its ongoing hunt for a player who can provide offensive help at the major league level.
Yahoo Sports noted the move is meaningful even if McCutchen never reaches Atlanta. At minimum, he and Santana can offer leadership and mentorship for younger players at Triple-A Gwinnett. If McCutchen proves he can still hit, he could earn a platoon role if given the opportunity.
What is McCutchen's path back to the majors?
McCutchen has not played since Texas released him on May 27. He struggled at the plate with the Rangers, batting .192 across 37 games in roles as a designated hitter, pinch hitter and outfielder.
Like Carlos Santana, McCutchen will have a chance to prove himself with Triple-A Gwinnett, Yahoo Sports reported. The former Pirates star now has another opportunity to work his way back to the big leagues.
Who is Andrew McCutchen?
McCutchen, 39, won the 2013 National League MVP Award with the Pittsburgh Pirates and earned five straight All-Star berths from 2011 through 2015. He played his first nine MLB seasons in Pittsburgh and became one of the franchise's most popular players.
After stints with five other teams from 2018 through 2022, he returned to the Pirates for the 2023 through 2025 seasons. In 2025, he hit .239 with 13 homers and 57 RBI in 135 games before becoming a free agent.
He is a career .271 hitter with 333 home runs, 1,157 RBI and 220 stolen bases in 2,299 games. Yahoo Sports reported he has earned more than $131 million over his MLB career.
How does this fit Atlanta's recent roster moves?
The McCutchen signing came alongside other Friday transactions. Atlanta recalled right-hander Anthony Molina, optioned right-hander James Karinchak to Gwinnett and designated right-hander Ian Hamilton for assignment.
On Thursday, the Braves designated veteran first baseman Rowdy Tellez for assignment and recalled rookie shortstop Jim Jarvis from Gwinnett. For more on major roster shake-ups across sports, see our Celebrity Breaking News coverage.
Atlanta's front office is stacking experienced hitters at the minor league level while keeping the door open for a late-season boost. As ESPN reported, the NL East leaders believe a proven bat like McCutchen could still make a difference if he finds his form at Gwinnett.