Andrew McCutchen is getting another shot.
The longtime Pittsburgh Pirates star has signed a minor league contract with the Atlanta Braves, according to the transactions page. Bill Shanks wrote on X, "According to the transactions page, the Atlanta #Braves have signed 39-year-old OF/DH Andrew McCutchen to a minor league contract," Bill Shanks wrote on X. "McCutchen hit .192 in 83 plate appearances for the Texas Rangers this season before being released May 28."
McCutchen’s run with Texas didn’t last, but Atlanta gives him a fresh landing spot with a team built to win. The Braves have pushed through a wave of injuries and still stayed in the mix, and adding a veteran bat like McCutchen gives them another experienced option to lean on.
For McCutchen, the move may start with a stop in the minors. He’s been out in free agency long enough that a tune-up with the Braves’ Triple-A club in Gwinnett, Georgia, would make plenty of sense as he tries to get his timing back.
If he does settle in, there’s a path for him to be part of the NL East and Wild Card races down the stretch.
There’s also a Pirates angle here. Pittsburgh is having its best season in years, which opens the door for McCutchen to end up facing his former team in games that matter.
He’ll need to hit better than he did with the Rangers to carve out a steady role, but the opportunity is there for him to keep playing and keep chasing more time in the game he loves.
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