The Texas Rangers have reached terms with second baseman Rougned Odor on a contract extension. The Rangers were eager to lock Odor in long-term after a breakout 2016 season. Odor recently represented Venezuela in the World Baseball Classic before agreeing to the extension.
Rangers, odor in agreement on six-year, $49.5-million extension with one option, sources tell @FanRagSports. https://t.co/vBQMco1wWP
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) March 25, 2017
Rougned Odor Signs Extension
Details
Jon Heyman reports that the contract will be a six-year deal worth $49.5 million. The contract will also have an option for a seventh year. The deal will buy out three arbitration years for Odor and give the Rangers more stability in the middle of their infield. Shortstop Elvis Andrus is signed through 2023, and Odor’s contract keeps the duo together for the foreseeable future.
Past Performance
Odor made his MLB debut in 2014. He played in 114 games as a rookie, despite an up-and-down offensive performance. Odor played 120 games in his second season, while posting a .781 OPS, 16 home runs, nine triples, 54 runs scored, and 111 hits.
Odor’s best season to date was 2016. The Venezuelan had 33 home runs, 88 RBI, 89 runs scored, 14 steals, 33 doubles, a .798 OPS, and 304 total bases. One cause for concern in 2016 was a dip in Odor’s OBP, but he accounted for the decline with an increase in his slugging percentage. With that being said, Odor must find his balance moving forward. A .296 OBP will not get it done, even for a player posting 30+ home runs in a season.
The Punch
Most fans originally came to know about Odor after he punched Jose Bautista during a game last season. The incident led to an on-field brawl and a hotly contested American League Division Series between the Rangers and the Toronto Blue Jays. Odor’s punch may have brought more attention, but another productive season similar to his 2016 will put the focus on Odor’s playing ability.
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