The New York Yankees have signed Rougned Odor to a minor-league deal with an opt-out clause after July 1, giving him another chance in Major League Baseball. Odor, 30, struggled in his one season with the San Diego Padres in 2023, hitting just .203 with four home runs and 18 RBIs before being designated for assignment in July. Odor, a former top prospect with the Texas Rangers, has shown flashes of power in the past, belting 30 home runs multiple times in his career.
Odor made his MLB debut with the Rangers in 2014, and had a breakout season in 2016 when he hit 33 home runs. He had another 30 home run season in 2017 and 2019, but his production declined in recent years. After being DFA’d by the Rangers in 2021, Odor was traded to the Yankees, where he hit 15 home runs in 102 games that season. He then spent 2022 with the Baltimore Orioles before signing with the Yomiuri Giants in Japan, where he was released before the season started.
With the Yankees, Odor has mostly played second base but also has experience at third base, first base, and in the outfield. The Yankees currently have Gleyber Torres as their starting second baseman, so Odor will be looking to impress in the minor leagues and earn a call-up to the MLB roster. The team recently added Jon Berti to provide depth in the infield, so Odor will have competition for a spot on the Yankees’ roster.
Odor will have an opportunity to prove himself once again with the Yankees, as he looks to revive his career and show that he can still be a productive player in the majors. Despite his recent struggles, Odor has shown potential in the past with his power-hitting ability. The Yankees are taking a low-risk chance on Odor with a minor-league deal, hoping that he can provide them with added depth and production if he is able to make it back to the MLB roster later in the season.
Overall, the signing of Rougned Odor by the New York Yankees represents a second chance for the veteran infielder to make an impact in Major League Baseball. Odor will need to perform well in the minor leagues and impress the coaching staff in order to earn a call-up to the MLB roster. With his versatile defensive skills and past power-hitting ability, Odor has the potential to provide value to the Yankees if he is able to regain his form and contribute to the team’s success. It will be interesting to see how Odor performs in the minor leagues and if he is able to earn a spot on the Yankees’ MLB roster later in the season.
