The Texas Rangers informed Rougned Odor that he did not make the opening day roster. It is a shame, but it is also two years too late. Beginning back in 2017, Odor has had only one season where he hit above .210. His WAR has been above zero only once as well. It is easy to say it has been a rough go for Odor.
The Contract
The Rangers still owe Odor $27.66 million dollars unless they can work out a deal with him. Yes, that is a lot of dead money. But the Rangers improve at the plate without him in the lineup. As a long time Rangers fan, I wanted to see Odor be successful, but it just never happened. So it was time to say goodbye. “All these decisions are challenging,” said Jon Daniels, president of baseball operations. “Rougned was outstanding in terms of his willingness to move to third base. What it really came down to was we made a decision with a pretty clear direction moving to the future. Playing him every day was not in our plans.” Ft Worth Star Telegram.
The Future
I wish Odor success wherever he winds up. I hope he does well. Maybe a change in scenery will be exactly what he needs. We have seen it happen time and time again. Someone leaves and then has a good career. I really do hope he finds his place somewhere. The Rangers now have Nick Solak as their everyday second baseman. They kept Charlie Culberson and Brock Holt to play third. Culberson is a good utility infielder. Odor was not. Then there is Josh Jung, the Rangers number one prospect who will be the third baseman sometime in 2021. This coming season was never going to be a successful one. We will talk about that on the upcoming season preview podcast. The season starts Thursday. Sit back and enjoy the fact that baseball is back!
