Texas Rangers cutting ties with Rougned Odor

Let’s step into the time machine and go all the way back to 2016. At the time, Texas Rangers‘ second baseman Rougned Odor was an intriguing young player, a second baseman with questionable on base skills, but a blend of power and speed that teams dream of. He had also become a beloved figure in the baseball universe for belting Jose Bautista in the face with an overhand right that anyone would have been proud of.

As he was just 22 years old that season, and had the potential to be a key part of the future core, the Rangers handed Odor a six year, $49.5 million extension with a team option for 2023 prior to the 2017 season. At the time, it seemed to be a worthwhile gamble.

Texas Rangers cutting ties with Rougned Odor

From that point, Odor was a disaster. While he still had some of that power and speed early during the extension, his production plummeted. Odor posted a disappointing 77 OPS+ with 88 homers and 77 doubles in his 1915 plate appearances.

As the Rangers have decided to embrace the rebuilding process, and his lack of production, Odor was seemingly on his way out. He had been moved off of second base, presumably shifting to the hot corner for the start of the season. But his mediocre spring training put an end to those thoughts, with the Rangers cutting ties.

In theory, the Rangers have a week to trade Odor, place him on waivers, or outright release him. Considering that Odor is due another $27 million, there is virtually no chance that a team will take him on unless Texas takes on an onerous contract in exchange. He seems ticketed for free agency.

It is possible that a fresh start somewhere else can help Odor become the player that the Rangers had hoped for. He just turned 27 years old at the beginning of February and would be entering his hypothetical prime. A team in need of help on the infield could look to give him another chance.

If Rougned Odor is going to recapture his promise, it will not happen with the Texas Rangers. He has been designated for assignment, ending his tenure.