The Texas Rangers are at least considering doing something about their problem at second base.
Back on May 19, 2016, Rougned Odor had what may have been his last big hit. On that day, the Texas Rangers second baseman became a cult figure when he punched Blue Jays outfielder Jose Bautista in the jaw. The slugging second baseman finished the season with a solid 105 OPS+, producing a .271/.296/.502 batting line with 33 homers and 14 steals, as he appeared to be on his way to becoming a star in Texas.
However, that has not been the case over the past three seasons. His production cratered in 2017; while Odor still hit 30 homers, he did so with a .204/.252/.397 batting line. Odor was close to league average with the bat last season, but has seen his production disappear again this year, as his OPS+ of 70 is one of the worst in the league.
That lack of production has led the Rangers to reexamine his place in the lineup. Although nothing seems to be eminent, Texas is reportedly considering cutting Odor’s playing time, even though they were quick to state that the second baseman is trying to make adjustments.
More from Call to the Pen
- Philadelphia Phillies, ready for a stretch run, bomb St. Louis Cardinals
- Philadelphia Phillies: The 4 players on the franchise’s Mount Rushmore
- Boston Red Sox fans should be upset over Mookie Betts’ comment
- Analyzing the Boston Red Sox trade for Dave Henderson and Spike Owen
- 2023 MLB postseason likely to have a strange look without Yankees, Red Sox, Cardinals
It is understandable why the Rangers would have such thoughts. Odor had produced a miserable .197/.273/.406 batting line, hitting 21 homers, but striking out 146 times in 462 plate appearances. He has not contributed anything with the glove either, costing the Rangers 12 runs at second, just a season after finishing second in the AL with 11 runs saved.
The problem is that the Rangers hands are somewhat tied when it comes to Odor. He is in the midst of a six year, $49.5 million extension that he signed after his solid 2016 campaign, and is due another $34 million over the next three seasons. Given his struggles, no one would want to take that money on.
For now, all the Rangers can do is to be patient, and hope that Odor eventually returns to form. Even if he does not become the star that they had anticipated, a return to being an above average major league bat and a solid defensive player would be worth the investment made. However, that does not mean that the Rangers should cut back on his playing time until that happens.
The Texas Rangers have a tough decision to make with Rougned Odor. Cutting into his playing time until he figures things out at the plate may be the best move they can make.