Rangers fans have been frustrated with Rougned Odor over the past three plus seasons. Their reasons for feeling that way are totally legitimate. Odor has a batting average of .205 since 2017. He has also struck out 514 times since 2017. Well at least he walked, right? Nope. Odor has 134 walks since 2017. He has also had roughly 50 errors in the past four seasons, including a shortened 2020. He has been nothing short of terrible.
So Why?
How does a player with a WAR of 2 since 2017 get considered for the starting second baseman job in 2021? If you have the answer to that question I want to talk to you on the podcast right away! Chris Woodward has stated that all positions are open for competition except for Isiah Kiner-Falefa at short and Joey Gallo in right. He even said Odor would have a chance to win that spot. It is hard to understand as fans on the outside looking in why he gets chance after chance while other guys (Danny Santana) get released after one bad season.
We all know is that it comes down to money. Rougned Odor is owed a handsome sum of money still by Texas. Money owed is a big part of all the chances that he has had over the years. But that can’t be the only reason, right? My personal belief is that he has showed moments of offensive brilliance and Jon Daniels doesn’t want to be wrong on paying him big bucks. The front office really wants him to be successful. The fact that we are still talking about him starting is a testament to how badly they want him to succeed.
My opinion
While I’m no scout, I have seen everything I need to see on Odor. Home run or bust. Mostly bust the last four seasons. I believe that Odor will not be the starting second baseman. I don’t even believe he will be the starting third baseman, but the fact is he might. Spring training will answer all these questions, which, unfortunately are still being asked.
