Rangers Shake Up Roster, Sign Nicky Lopez and Designate Andrew McCutchen for Assignment
The Texas Rangers made a notable roster move, signing infielder Nicky Lopez to a one-year contract while designating veteran outfielder and designated hitter Andrew McCutchen for assignment in order to clear space on the active roster. The transaction signals a shift in how the club is trying to balance its lineup and infield depth moving forward.
McCutchen, a former MVP and longtime MLB star, has struggled at the plate this season and has not been able to produce consistent offensive results for Texas. In limited action, he has posted a .192 batting average with a .277 on-base percentage and a .260 slugging percentage. His production against left-handed pitching has also been an issue, as he has hit just .186/.300/.302 in those matchups. That split is particularly concerning because McCutchen was originally acquired to serve in a platoon role alongside designated hitter Joc Pederson, a plan that has not fully materialized as expected.
Despite those struggles, the decision to move on from McCutchen in favor of Lopez has raised questions, as Lopez does not bring significant offensive upside either. The 29-year-old utility infielder is known more for his defensive versatility than his bat. Since his standout 2021 season, when he posted a 4.4 bWAR, Lopez has seen his offensive production decline considerably. Over his last 1,220 plate appearances, he has hit just .228/.298/.281, offering limited power and on-base ability.
Lopez, a left-handed hitter, does not directly replace McCutchen’s role in the lineup, further complicating the logic behind the move from a pure offensive standpoint. However, the Rangers appear to value his ability to play multiple infield positions, giving the roster additional flexibility. That need became more apparent earlier in the season when injuries forced the team to shuffle defensive assignments and rely on players such as Michael Helman in uncomfortable spots.
Before joining Texas, Lopez had been moving between organizations. He opened the season in the Colorado Rockies system and impressed at Triple-A Albuquerque, where he hit .333/.387/.519. He was later acquired by the Chicago Cubs but appeared in only four games, recording five plate appearances before being released. That short stint ultimately opened the door for Texas to bring him in.
The addition of Lopez could also have ripple effects on the Rangers’ lineup construction. It may create an opportunity for Justin Foscue, a versatile hitter who can play both infield and designated hitter roles, to take on a larger share of at-bats at DH moving forward. Foscue’s ability to contribute offensively may give the Rangers a different look in the middle of the order compared to McCutchen’s recent production.
Beyond the immediate roster shuffle, the move also raises broader questions about the Rangers’ infield health. With concerns already surfacing around players like Corey Seager and Josh Smith potentially missing additional time, the team may be prioritizing depth and defensive coverage over offensive consistency.
Ultimately, while the decision to move on from McCutchen is surprising given his experience and past success, the Rangers appear focused on reshaping their roster to address versatility and infield stability as the season progresses.
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