Andrew McCutchen, a former National League MVP, has signed a minor-league contract with the Atlanta Braves and is expected to report to Triple-A. The move comes after McCutchen was released by the Texas Rangers in May, where he hit .192 in 37 games.
Growing up in Florida as a dedicated Braves fan, McCutchen now has an opportunity to conclude his 18-year career with his childhood team and potentially secure the World Series ring that has eluded him. He won the league MVP award in 2013 during his tenure with the Pittsburgh Pirates, with whom he made five consecutive All-Star teams. McCutchen has not participated in the postseason since a trade to the New York Yankees in 2018.
Among active players, only Freddie Freeman and Jose Altuve have recorded more career hits than McCutchen, who has 2,280 hits. He maintains a career OPS of .819 and has hit 333 home runs. The Braves' acquisition of McCutchen on a minor-league deal is seen as a low-risk move to enhance their bench depth for the remainder of the season. The Braves held a 2 1/2-game lead over the Philadelphia Phillies in the NL East as of Friday.
This signing marks the second such move by the Braves in the past week. McCutchen, at 39, is younger than Carlos Santana, who also signed a minor-league deal around the same time the Braves parted ways with veteran Rowdy Tellez. Santana was released by the Arizona Diamondbacks after an injury-affected start to his season. McCutchen is also recognized for his positive clubhouse presence, a factor that has contributed to him receiving continued opportunities.