Trending Now - Mccutchen Earns Opening Day Roster Spot for 18th Season
WHO:
Chris Young, general manager of the Texas Rangers
Andrew McCutchen, veteran outfielder/designated hitter
Ezequiel Duran, utility man for the Rangers
Sam Haggerty, outfielder for the Rangers
Jacob Latz, left-handed pitcher
Kumar Rocker, right-handed pitcher
Chris Young, president of baseball operations for the Texas Rangers, announced the roster decisions.
Andrew McCutchen, veteran outfielder/designated hitter
Kumar Rocker, right-handed pitcher
Chris Young, president of baseball operations for the Texas Rangers
Ezequiel Duran, teammate of McCutchen
Jacob Latz, left-handed pitcher
Cal Quantrill, non-roster veteran
Austin Gomber, non-roster veteran
Jack Leiter, college co-ace of Rocker at Vanderbilt
Jacob deGrom, pitcher for the Rangers
Nathan Eovaldi, pitcher for the Rangers
MacKenzie Gore, trade acquisition by the Rangers
WHAT:
McCutchen officially made the Rangers' Opening Day roster after hitting .421 with a 1.297 OPS over 19 at-bats in eight games during spring training.
McCutchen edged out Mark Canha for a bench spot on the roster.
Rocker will begin the season as the No. 5 starter in the rotation.
Latz will pitch out of the bullpen to start the season.
McCutchen stated, “I told them I am at their disposal -- no matter what it is, no matter what they need from me, I’m here, and that’s what I’m here for.”
McCutchen went 8-for-18 with three doubles, one home run, six walks, and five strikeouts during spring training.
Rocker, 26, had a 5.74 ERA in 64 1/3 innings during the previous season.
Rocker increased the velocity on his sinker by about half a mile per hour and on his cutter by more than two miles per hour this spring.
Rocker has been using his slider more than twice as often as he did in 2025.
McCutchen has made the Texas Rangers' Opening Day roster.
McCutchen will earn a base salary of $1.25 million, with potential to double through incentives.
Rocker has won the fifth starter's job in the Rangers' rotation.
Latz will begin the season in the bullpen after competing for the rotation spot.
McCutchen hit .444 with three doubles and one home run during spring training.
Rocker pitched 12 2/3 innings in Cactus League play with a 4.26 ERA, allowing six runs on 13 hits and three walks, while striking out 14 batters.
Rocker had a 5.74 ERA in 64 1/3 innings during the previous season.
Latz had a 3.98 ERA in 85 2/3 innings last season but allowed 14 earned runs in 15 1/3 innings this spring.
WHERE:
The Texas Rangers' Opening Day roster was announced in Texas.
Texas Rangers, Major League Baseball (MLB)
Cactus League, location of spring training games
WHEN:
McCutchen signed with the Rangers on March 6th, 2026.
The Rangers will open the 2026 season in Philadelphia on March 26th, 2026.
The announcement regarding Rocker's inclusion on the Opening Day roster was made on March 23rd, 2026.
McCutchen turned 39 years old in October 2025.
The articles were published on March 23rd, 2026.
WHY:
Chris Young mentioned that McCutchen's performance was a key factor in his selection for the roster, stating, “It was an extremely tough decision... but ultimately, we felt like Cutch earned it just with his performance.”
McCutchen's performance in spring training led to his selection for the roster, as he was not showing signs of age.
McCutchen's performance in spring training influenced his selection for the roster.
Rocker’s improved performance in spring training contributed to his selection as a starter.
HOW:
McCutchen quickly demonstrated his readiness during spring training, stating, “I was able to figure that out fairly quickly... I laced a double in left center, and I was like, ‘Yeah, this is exactly where I need to be at.’”
McCutchen signed with the Rangers midway through spring training and quickly hit his way into the team's plans.
McCutchen signed with the Rangers midway through spring training.
Rocker increased his pitch velocity and adjusted his pitch selection during spring training.
(UPDATED March 24, 2026 07:35 UTC)
In a significant announcement, the Texas Rangers confirmed that veteran outfielder Andrew McCutchen has officially made the Opening Day roster after an impressive spring training performance, hitting .421 with a 1.297 OPS. McCutchen edged out Mark Canha for a bench spot and expressed his commitment to the team, saying, “I told them I am at their disposal -- no matter what it is, no matter what they need from me, I’m here.” The Rangers will kick off their 2026 season in Philadelphia on March 26, with McCutchen set to play a vital role alongside new No. 5 starter Kumar Rocker and left-handed pitcher Jacob Latz, who will begin the season in the bullpen.
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(UPDATED March 24, 2026 01:43 UTC)
In a significant announcement made yesterday, Chris Young, president of baseball operations for the Texas Rangers, revealed the team's Opening Day roster in Texas. Andrew McCutchen, who impressed during spring training with an eight-for-eighteen performance that included three doubles and a home run, earned his spot on the team after signing midway through the spring. Additionally, Jack Rocker, who has shown improved velocity on his pitches and increased his slider usage, also made the roster despite a challenging previous season.
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(UPDATED March 23, 2026 23:44 UTC)
In a significant development for the Texas Rangers, veteran outfielder Andrew McCutchen has secured a spot on the Opening Day roster, earning a base salary of $1.25 million with the potential to double through incentives. Right-handed pitcher Kumar Rocker has also won the fifth starter's job in the rotation, showcasing improved performance during spring training, including increased pitch velocity and better pitch selection. McCutchen's impressive .444 batting average, along with three doubles and one home run in spring training, played a key role in his selection, while Jacob Latz will begin the season in the bullpen after competing for a rotation spot.