Yankees strike deal with Rangers to acquire infielder Rougned Odor

Rougned Odor, yankees
Mar 19, 2021; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Texas Rangers third baseman Rougned Odor against the Los Angeles Dodgers during a Spring Training game at Camelback Ranch Glendale. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Yankees and Texas Rangers have struck a deal to trade infielder Rougned Odor to the Bronx. Having last played in 2020, Odor experienced 38 games of action, hitting 10 homers and 30 RBIs, finishing with a .167 average. The Rangers recently designated Odor for assignment prior to Opening Day, who has two years and $27 million remaining on his contract.

This is undoubtedly an interesting move for the Yankees, as Odor is capable of being a solid lefty hitter with power, hitting 30 homers in 2019. At 27 years old, he is still youthful and has tons of potential left to un-tap. However, his strikeout rate has ballooned in recent years, going from 17% in 2014 to 31.8% in 2020.

The Yankees might see something in his fundamentals and technique that might be throwing him off as they look to resurrect his career and make him a potential starter moving forward. He will join a bench that features catcher Kyle Higashioka, outfielders Mike Tauchman, Brett Gardner, and INF Tyler Wade.

Wade could be sent back to the minor leagues while Odor will take over his spot. The question is, who in the infield is going to make a move with the acquisition of Odor. Theoretically, the Yankees could move DJ LeMahieu to first base, Gleyber Torres to second, and Gio Urshela to shortstop, with Odor taking over the hot corner. The only issue, Odor has never played third base before, so that could present an issue.

Nonetheless, we will have to wait and see how the Yankees approach this acquisition and what they plan to do with the former Texas Ranger.