ATLANTA — The Atlanta Braves signed former NL MVP outfielder Andrew McCutchen to a minor league contract on Friday in their ongoing search for a veteran who can provide offensive help.
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The 39-year-old McCutchen was released by the Texas Rangers on May 27 after he hit .192 in 37 games as a designated hitter, pinch hitter and outfielder.
The NL East-leading Braves (50-35) signed first baseman Carlos Santana, 40, to a minor league deal last week. McCutchen, the 2013 NL MVP with Pittsburgh, is expected to soon report to Triple-A Gwinnett. On Thursday, another veteran first baseman, Rowdy Tellez , was designated for assignment as rookie shortstop Jim Jarvis was recalled from Gwinnett.
McCutchen played his first nine seasons in the majors with the Pirates and earned five straight All-Star berths from 2011-15 while becoming one of the team’s most popular players. After stints with five other teams from 2018-22, he returned to the Pirates for the 2023-25 seasons.
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In 2025, McCutchen hit .239 with 13 homers and 57 RBIs in 135 games before becoming a free agent. He is a career .271 hitter with 333 homers, 1,157 RBIs and 220 stolen bases in 2,299 games.
The Braves on Friday also recalled right-hander Anthony Molina and optioned right-hander James Karinchak to Gwinnett. Right-hander Ian Hamilton was designated for assignment.
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