The Texas Rangers have made a roster adjustment by signing veteran infielder Nicky Lopez to a one-year contract while designating veteran outfielder and designated hitter Andrew McCutchen for assignment. The move was announced by the club as it continues to look for ways to improve its roster during the season.
McCutchen’s departure comes after a difficult stretch at the plate. The longtime major league veteran struggled to provide the offensive production the Rangers had hoped for when they brought him in. His performance against left-handed pitching was particularly disappointing, as he posted a .186 batting average, a .300 on-base percentage, and a .302 slugging percentage. Those numbers were concerning because one of McCutchen’s primary roles on the team was to serve as a platoon partner for Joc Pederson, especially against left-handed pitchers.
While McCutchen’s offensive struggles may explain why the Rangers decided to move on, the addition of Lopez has raised some questions. Lopez is known more for his defensive versatility than his bat. Although he enjoyed a standout 2021 season in which he accumulated 4.4 wins above replacement, he has struggled offensively in the years since. Across 1,220 plate appearances following that campaign, Lopez has produced a modest .228 batting average with a .298 on-base percentage and a .281 slugging percentage.
The 30-year-old began the current season in the Colorado Rockies organization, where he played for Triple-A Albuquerque. During his time there, he performed well offensively, posting a strong .333/.387/.519 slash line. His success in the minors led to an opportunity with the Chicago Cubs organization after they acquired him. However, his stay in Chicago was brief. Lopez appeared in only four games and received just five plate appearances before being released, making him available for the Rangers to sign.
Unlike McCutchen, Lopez is a left-handed hitter, meaning he does not provide the right-handed balance that McCutchen offered in a platoon role. As a result, the move does not appear to be a direct replacement from an offensive standpoint. Instead, the Rangers seem to value Lopez’s ability to play multiple infield positions, providing additional defensive flexibility.
The signing could also create a larger opportunity for Justin Foscue. The young infielder is capable of playing second base but is generally viewed as a better fit at first base or designated hitter. With McCutchen no longer on the roster, Foscue may now have a chance to earn more playing time as part of the designated hitter rotation, particularly in a platoon arrangement.
Another possible reason behind the move is the Rangers’ desire to strengthen their infield depth. Injuries have already tested the club this season. When Josh Jung was sidelined, utility player Michael Helman was forced into shortstop duties, exposing the team’s lack of experienced infield options. Lopez’s arrival provides a true utility infielder who can move around the diamond when needed.
The decision also raises questions about the health status of key players such as Corey Seager and Josh Smith. By adding another versatile infielder, the Rangers may be preparing for the possibility that one or both players could miss more time than initially expected, making infield depth an even greater priority moving forward.
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