Yankees Working on Trade to Acquire Rougned Odor from the Texas Rangers

ESPN’s Jeff Passan reports that the New York Yankees are expected to complete a trade with the Texas Rangers for infielder Rougned Odor. Odor was recently designated for assignment on Apr. 1 after the Rangers informed him that he was no longer in their plans moving forward.

In 2017, the Rangers signed Odor to a six-year contract worth $49.5 million. Now they’re willing to pay him to go away as the Rangers are expected to take on most of the remaining $27 million left on his contract.

Odor’s numbers have fallen precipitously over the last few seasons. Last year, he had a .167/.209/.413 slash line. He managed to hit 10 home runs but only nine singles which is quite an anomaly. The second baseman even flirted with a new stance this spring training to show good faith to the Rangers. Odor ended the spring 7-35 with two home runs and a .200 / .328 / .486 slash line.

Here's a shot from late last season. Definitely a difference in his hand position and back elbow. #Rangers pic.twitter.com/Znvz4cJN4V

— Chris Halicke (@ChrisHalicke) March 3, 2021

Perhaps the Yankees’ biggest advantage can offer Odor is their short porch in the right field that’s only 314 feet down the line. With New York already locking up second basemen DJ LeMahieu to a six-year deal worth $90 million, Odor will likely be used to spell LeMahieu on his days off or as a pinch-hitter off the bench.

Be sure to head over to FanDuel Sportsbook for all your MLB action, including daily odds, fantasy baseball, team and player futures, along with same-game parlays.