Rangers should consider trading Rougned Odor
Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
In a lucrative offseason spending spree, the Texas Rangers acquired Shin-Soo Choo and Prince Fielder. Acquiring the perennial slugger and on-base machine bolstered an already formidable lineup. These two additions are major and gives Texas a premier lineup in Major League Baseball. While making themselves substantially better on offense, this forbade them from fortifying a vulnerability on their roster.
Texas already had one of the thinnest and weakest pitching rotations in baseball. It does not help that their ace, Yu Darvish, will not be ready for opening day. On top of that, their number two, Derek Holland, will be out until at least the All-Star break and another key piece in the rotation, Matt Harrison, is ailing with back stiffness. This should be a cause for concern, although Jon Daniels and Co. do believe their potent offense will compensate for their lack of a strong rotation. That very well may be the case, albeit it seems foolhardy to believe Texas will thrive in the postseason with a rotation as inadequate as it is. You need all legs working to win the highly desired Commissioner’s Trophy, and this deficiency will stifle Texas from reaching the promised land. I believe parting with their top prospect, Rougned Odor, for a quality starter is the way to go.
At only 20 years of age, Odor certainly possess a ton of talent and projects to be a very good MLB player. The left-handed hitter compiled a .305/.365/.474 slash line between Single and Double A last season. Odor is ranked number 96 on MLB.com’s top 100 players list and according to Jonathan Mayo, “He’s a steady defender with good range and an accurate arm. His instincts help him maximize his tools.” The small in stature second basemen can beat you with the stick, glove, and on the base paths. He is a valuable asset to any team if you can find a place to play him.
Texas has Elvis Andrus and Jurickson Profar occupying the middle infield for the foreseeable future. Unless the Rangers do some positional tampering, he will not have anywhere to play. Even with Profar out for 10-12 weeks, Jon Daniels told reporters Odor will begin the season in the minors.
Despite his untapped potential, the Rangers have no place for Odor. With their all-in approach displayed during the offseason, it makes sense the Rangers at least entertain the prospect of dealing Odor for a starter.