The Texas Rangers have signed infielder Nicky Lopez to a one year deal, the team announced today. To make room for Lopez on the active roster, the Rangers have designated outfielder/DH Andrew McCutchen for assignment.
I’m really baffled by this move. McCutchen hasn’t hit well this season, slashing .192/.277/.260, including a .186/.300/.302 line against lefthanded pitching, which is especially problematic, given that McCutchen was brought in to be Joc Pederson’s platoon partner.
But Nicky Lopez doesn’t
seem to really make the team better. Lopez is a light-hitting utility infielder who had a 4.4 bWAR season back in 2021, and since then has slashed .228/.298/.281 in 1220 plate appearances. He’s also a lefthanded hitter, which means that he doesn’t really replace McCutchen. Lopez was originally with the Rockies to start the season, slashing .333/.387/.519 for their AAA club at Albuquerque before being acquired by the Cubs. Lopez appeared in four games and had five plate appearances for the Cubs, and was released yesterday.
This would seem to open the door for Justin Foscue, who can play second base but who is best suited to 1B or DH, to take over the platoon DH spot from McCutchen. Lopez gives the Rangers an actual utility infielder, something that became an issue when Josh Jung was out and Michael Helman had to play shortstop. This leads me to wonder if there are concerns about Corey Seager or Josh Smith missing more time than has been anticipated.
