When the Texas Rangers signed outfielder Andrew McCutchen on March 6, both sides knew they were racing against the clock. With Opening Day fast approaching, McCutchen had limited time to prove he deserved a spot on the roster.
Despite not facing much live pitching during the offseason, McCutchen has been making waves. In just 15 Spring Training at-bats, he's hitting a remarkable .533, with eight hits, a home run, and seven RBIs.
Rangers manager Skip Schumaker praised McCutchen, saying, "He's a winning player. He's trying to fight to get on a team, and he's also trying to get numbers and produce.
He’ll hit a ground ball to second to try to win a game in Spring Training. That shows you what he's all about."
McCutchen's veteran presence is a valuable asset off the bench, capable of making an impact even without regular playing time. But with his current performance, the Rangers and their fans might be hoping for more.
While breaking into a starting outfield featuring Wyatt Langford, Evan Carter, and Brandon Nimmo is a tall order, there are paths to consistent at-bats for McCutchen. The Rangers need a right-handed bat to complement Joc Pederson against left-handed starters, opening up potential designated hitter opportunities. Plus, Schumaker plans to use the DH role to give regulars some rest, which could mean more outfield time for McCutchen.
McCutchen's spot on the Opening Day roster isn't guaranteed, but the signs are promising. His focus, however, remains on the quality of his at-bats rather than just the results.
"It's not just necessarily the result, it's more of the quality of the results," McCutchen explained. "I’m getting consistent at-bats, working counts. Even when I'm behind, I’m getting the full counts, getting myself swinging at the strikes and not swinging at balls."
McCutchen's approach highlights his commitment to the process, emphasizing consistency and quality over mere numbers-a mindset that could prove invaluable for the Rangers this season.