4:58pm: The Yankees will pay Odor the prorated minimum this year ($570,500) and next, but that money will not count against their luxury tax bill, Jon Heyman of MLB Network tweets.
2:32pm: The teams have announced the trade. The Rangers acquired outfielders Josh Stowers and Antonio Cabello in return for Odor and cash. Notably, Texas announced Cabello as a catcher/outfielder, though he’s played exclusively the outfield in his minor league career to date. Kiley McDaniel of ESPN ranked Cabello as the Yankees’ 18th-best prospect, tweeting that he has the necessary tools for both center field and catcher. Cabello, whom the Yankees signed out of Venezuela for $1.4MM in 2017, hasn’t climbed above rookie ball yet, though he’s still just 20 years old. He owns a .251/.344/.409 line with eight home runs in 443 professional plate appearances.
Stowers, 24, has now been part of two trades during his career. He was originally a second-round pick of the Mariners in 2018, but they dealt him to the Yankees as part of a three-team deal that also included the Reds and centered on righty Sonny Gray. Stowers slashed an impressive .273/.386/.400 with seven homers and 35 steals in Single-A ball in 2019, his lone season in the New York organization. However, FanGraphs’ Eric Longenhagen wrote over the winter that he doesn’t expect Stowers to max out as more than a fourth outfielder in the bigs.
1:22pm: The Yankees are sending a pair of prospects to the Rangers in the deal, tweets Sherman.
1:05pm: The Yankees and Rangers are finalizing a trade that will second second baseman Rougned Odor to New York, reports ESPN’s Jeff Passan (via Twitter). The Rangers designated Odor, who has two years and $27MM remaining on his contract, for assignment prior to Opening Day. Given that substantial commitment and the Yankees’ general aversion to paying the luxury tax, the Rangers are surely offsetting the majority of Odor’s contract in some capacity. Joel Sherman of the New York Post tweets that the two sides have agreed to a deal.
It’s a bit surprising to see the Yankees taking on Odor, although it’s hard to imagine a park better suited for the 27-year-old lefty hitter’s pull-happy approach than Yankee Stadium. Odor’s strikeout rates have climbed continually since he signed an ill-fated six-year, $49.5MM extension with the Rangers, and generally been a poor all-around performer due to significant on-base deficiencies.
However, Odor’s power has never really been in question. He has three 30-homer seasons in the past five years and swatted 10 long balls in just 148 plate appearances last year. The trade-off for that pop has been a strikeout rate that has soared north of 31 percent in the past two seasons and an overall .215/.279/.418 batting line through 1915 plate appearances dating back to 2017.
Odor figures to join a Yankees bench that currently features catcher Kyle Higashioka, outfielder Mike Tauchman, outfielder Brett Gardner and infielder Tyler Wade. The only one of the bunch who has a minor league option remaining is Wade, and given that he’s also the only infielder of that group, it seems likely that he’ll be bumped to accommodate Odor’s acquisition. That would make Gio Urshela the primary backup to Gleyber Torres at shortstop, with Odor likely handling third base should Urshela be pressed into action at short for any reason.
Al Hirschen
Why didn’t the Mets sign him .
higgy5220
Well they would have had to trade for him
BrittinghamSports
I think this could actually work out for the Yankees as long as they didn’t give up much prospect capital AND the Rangers pay the vast majority of Odor’s contract. It doesn’t matter much what he does if he can hit over 30 bombs a season in the Bronx. A 30+ homer a year 2nd baseman is pretty valuable. That is a typically low offense position. The big question is this. Over the last 81 to 162 home games in Arlington, how many foul balls and outs did Odor hit that would have been home runs in Yankee Stadium (especially with that unbelievably short right field porch)? Over the next season or 2 you can add those as home runs to his actual home run total to see about how many homers he could hit as a 2nd baseman in New York. Where is Rangers29 when you need him? This seems like a question he may be able to answer. I am sure he has watched Odor plenty. He actually wrote an article about a trade proposal involving the Rangers trading Odor to the Cardinals for Matt Carpenter. I think Odor makes much more sense playing in Yankee Stadium. If he can’t hit there he will never get it together. I would still love to know that outs/foul balls total that would turn into homers in Yankee Stadium though if anyone has an estimate.
rangers13
I am not sure of an exact number of fouls down the RF line that turn into homers in Yankee Stadium, but since I have seen Odor play in at least 96% of the games he has played and his fouls especially deep ones are all mostly down the RF line. I would guess you can add 3-5 HRs a year to that total of 30, if he stays healthy and plays enough. You just have to live with so/so defense, bad baserunning and a 28-33% K rate. One thing that can never be taken away from Odor is that he will bring loads of enthusiasm to the Yankee team.
BrittinghamSports
It would also be more accurate to figure out how many singles, doubles and triples he may have hit over that time which would also turn into home runs. Those wouldn’t increase his hit total like outs and fouls will but they would definitely increase his home run totals. Add all those together and combine him with the home runs he actually did hit and that could be your home run total for Odor over the next season or 2 (since Odor is under contract for 2 seasons).
its_happening
Odor’s career numbers in AL East stadiums with the exception of Tropicana Field is pretty good.
BrittinghamSports
I think that it might even be more than that 3-5 figure you suggested but let’s split the difference and say you’re right and call it 35 homers a year. The Yankees could have just spent next to nothing for a multi-year contract for a 35 homer a year 2nd baseman. Most teams would love that kind of production out of 2nd base. The guy could possibly lead all MLB 2nd baseman in home runs. It’s hard to ask for more than that. Even if it’s only when he plays at Yankee Stadium, if this guy can play like Dan Uggla in his prime, the Yankees just got a win.
Ketch
Except that the Yankees have LeMahieu at second already and need to find a way to get Torres back there.
Metfan1964
He won’t be playing much at all- unless there is an injury. he isn’t versatile. You benching DJ ?
BrittinghamSports
This could end up being a similar situation to the Curtis Granderson acquisition by the Yankees. I would never say Odor is even close to Granderson as a player but there home run potential could be simialar. Granderson was a 20 home run a year player until he got to Yankee Stadium. Then he instantly became a 40=home run a year player. He basically doubled his annual home run total because of the Yankee Stadium dimensions. Odor is already a 30-home run a year player. If he gets enough at bats and the stadium affects him similarly, Odor seems like he could easily start matching Granderson’s Yankees home run totals since he was able to surpass Granderson’s pre-Yankees home run totals.
FletcherFan60
Wait till Rangers29 gets out of algebra class and sees this
stevedes912
Maybe they have seen enough of Bruce at 1st, move DJ there until Voit comes back. Ordor plays 2nd. Then when Voit comes back they figure it ouit.
Kemajic
The Yanks must love his SO rate; fits right in. This is not a popular player, either around the league or in the clubhouse. Has hit above .205 once in the last 4 years; .289 OBP lifetime. Just wonderful. He’s not going to hit 30 HRs because he will be a utility player at best. Our defense up the middle is already compromised by Sanchez and Torres; this is no help. At least Wade could pick it
Kemajic
Meanwhile adding to the luxury cap they’re trying to stay under.. This guy isn’t worth it.
BrittinghamSports
Ketch and Metfan, the positional problems aren’t as bad as they appear. While Voit is out they can bench Bruce and play Lemahieu at first because DJ is pretty versatile. I definitely trust Odor’s bat over Bruce. If that experiment works out by the time Voit comes back the Yankees can shift DJ to 3rd and put Urshela at short. That would only happen based on the assumption that Odor is out hitting Torres. I actually have faith that Odors power in Yankees stadium will be enough to both play him over Bruce in the short term and over Torres in the long term. Personally, I don’t expect much from either Bruce or Torres. At least they will get homers from Odor. Torres’ but doesn’t look like starting material to me anymore. I think he works better as a utility player. Bruce is likely a pinch hitter at best. If I were ever lucky enough to set the Yankees lineup, this is exactly how I would do it. Odors bat is better than both Bruce and Torres. I wouldn’t be totally shocked if Jay Bruce is the player that the Yankees cut from their roster to make room for Odor. In that case you still have to start a first baseman and it’s likely going to be DJL. That perfectly opens up 2nd base for Odor.
Dustyslambchops23
Yankee stadium isn’t magic, it’s a short porch in right but you still need to make contact.
His k rate and contact rates are atrocious since the word got out on the holes in his swing, add to his shorty D and I wouldn’t expect he gets enough ABs to pound out 30 dingers
oz10
The clubhouse part is not correct. His teammates didn’t have a problem with him outside of his play. He has been known as a good locker room guy. Rangers fan and I actually follow things closely.
CursedRangers
OZ is right – he’s not an issue in the clubhouse. His issue is he is one of the bottom five players in the AL. He also admits he’s not very smart and therefore has a hard time understanding analytics and stuff the coaches give to him. He’s borderline worthless these days, but hope he somehow turns it around.
StudWinfield
Your take on Torres is so far out there I have to assume you’re gaslighting. There is no ballfield on the planet where Odor starts over Torres.
BrittinghamSports
Odor would ONLY start over Torres if he outhits Torres while Voit is out. if he can’t do that by the time Voit is back then bye-bye Odor from the lineup. I don’t think it would be the biggest shock if it actually ended up happening though. Torres is not a great hitter and Odor can at least hit homers. It seems rather unlikely at this point, yes. Far more shocking things have happened though. No one saw Urshela being better than Torres right before that happened either.
deweybelongsinthehall
Perfect. There’s an Odor in the Bronx.
StudWinfield
Well yeah anything can happen for sure. There’s just no logical reason to suggest it would ever happen. Odor has hardly been close to the production Torres has put up in his career (wRC+).
I got one. Wade takes over short, moving Torres to second and wins a Gold Glove.
hit23man
Torres IS a great young hitter who struggled in a pandemic effecting short season.
Cosmo2
No way Odor is taking over Torres’ job. No way, no how. Odor is a scrap heap pickup. Torres is a very good player with a high ceiling.
BeforeMcCourt
Hahaha. You do realize he had 30 bombs 3 of the last 5 years and the Rangers are STILL cutting him with over 27M to eat?
Just because you hit dingerz doesn’t mean you are a valuable player. In fact, in the last 5 years. Odor has only had a positive war 2x. Only 1 of those 2 was a 30 HR season. So his other 2 30 home run seasons, he was SO BAD at everything else on a baseball field he negated all of that value
calling him Dan uggla is an insult to Uggla
BrittinghamSports
Yeah. I have to admit that I totally agree Torres is likely going to be a better hitter than Odor from here on out and he will NOT steal Torres job. I just mean Torres has been a disappointment since his 38 homer season. I don’t know what happened to him but he let Urshela steal his job immediately after that. In fact, Urshela didn’t even have to steal it. Torres gave it away. I guess I’m just not buying into Torres past numbers as much as most. I think he’s fading and I don’t think he’s ever going to reach those heights again. The same can be said about Odor though at the very least. I guess what I mean is I trust Odor more than Bruce and if Torres slacks again, Odor is in the best stadium for him to steal a slackers spot. I don’t mean slacking as in Torres doesn’t try. I mean slacking as in is Torres doesn’t produce and Odor does.. it could happen. I could definitely see Torres NOT producing. The question is: Will Odor produce? Probably not, but this is likely his last chance.
28rings
Or moving DJ to 1B in case Voit doesn’t come back from injury and Bruce doesn’t perform or is needed in LF
StudWinfield
@Brit, I guess I’m just lost on the Urshela stealing Torres job thing. When did this happen?
martyvan90
Ketch, thank you.
PutPeteinthehall
They are not adding to the tax. The league minimum does not count against it according to the article. However how many pure second basemen are needed. DJ, Glyber, now stinky Odor. At 26 I was thinking this guy needs a new approach and a lot time in a hitting lab. Was kinda of surprised he ended up here rather than a team like Pittsburgh or Baltimore. He has upside but do not see where he fits in here.
JerryBird
Foul balls don’t become home runs. They are still foul balls no matter the distance of the fences. Then again, I could be wrong.
thecoffinnail
Take it easy with that kind of talk. I remember when the Yankees signed Brian McCann and all of the analysts were saying he would easily hit 40 HR’s a season at Yankees stadium. When he was healthy he hit his career average nothing more. Odor was a 30 HR a year player before NY and he will be that when he leaves. I just hope he can cut those K’s down. 30% is ridiculously high..
Northeasternskier
Google: Odor rocks Batista.
Zerbs63
Foul balls turn into home runs at yankee stadium? Sheesh no wonder they have won so many World Series.
king beas
Cause he’s terrible
JLML57
He stinks
davidk1979
He’s horrible
FredMcGriff for the HOF
Unless the Yankees need a guy who can land a solid punch this move is quite puzzling…
paddyo furnichuh
He is a LHB who provides MI depth.
On a sarcastic note: Maybe with effective negative feedback like deriding for his inferior on-base skills compared to Joey Bats, he will improve in his plate discipline.
The Baseball Fan
Thank god the Blue Jays are playing in Florida. Wouldn’t want him less than 8 hrs away from Rogers Centre…
The Baseball Fan
Update: Phillies Trade Rocky Balboa in exchange for Odor
bobtillman
Rangers will take Adrian
MetsFan22
McNeil?
mrmet17
Why would the Mets want him?
angt222
Mets have Guillorme. Odor strikeouts out a lot and idk if he’s even shown he can play 3B well.
Metfan1964
why ? He is awful and they already have a lefty 2bman.
mets1536
They don’t NEED A ONE DIMENSIONAL PLAYER AKA DAVE KINGMAN
RaeRae
They should trade Luis Rojas instead of any player. Tony Tarasco would be a much better temporary manager rather than Rojas who has trouble handling his bullpen.. Rojas is not a good manager.even though he has the reputation of being a really nice guy.
padam
Why would the Mets want him? They’ve got McNeil and Villar, with Cano coming back next year.
MrHand
I think it is time to address the reality that Gleyber Torres cannot play shortstop at the Major League level. Somehow we must rearrange our infield to get him back to second base. Frankly, I would rather take a gamble with either Le Maheu or Urshela playing the position than to continue with Torres………..
Yankee Clipper
So, who do you think they will go after in FA? Seager?
crumpy24
???
realistnotsucker
Welcome to the Boogie down son let’s get it
Bigtimeyankeefan
Why? What do we need him for?
92jays
Can’t see him fitting in with the Yankees. His attitude sucks
Dixon Miaz
You’re just mad he punched Joey Bats into retirement
Hayman19
Yeah, but then he bobbled his way and his team out of the playoffs, so karma I suppose!
its_happening
Odor threw a punch, Blue Jays delivered a knockout, Dixie Wrecked.
jaysfan1994
And Odor has batted .215 since that bunch lmao and his team got eliminated from the playoffs.
kyredsox17
His attitude is perfect if you weren’t ever a Bautista fan.
Balboni
Move djl to first play odor at second. They never intended bruce to be the everyday first baseman. Odor adds defense, bruce is a negative in that area. And basically their bats are a wash.
jolink65
What do they do when Voit comes back though? Wade was the only player they could have optioned to make room for him. I guess drop Bruce? They’re not dropping a pitcher for another bench bat.
luclusciano
They sent King to the alternate. I agree – to not have Bruce playing first everyday – DJ will spend time there. Plus, they still have an option on Wade
Ketch
Yes, Odor’s negative UZR values should really shore things up.
Kemajic
Odor adds defense? Do a little research son. He’s awful wherever he plays.
Balboni
Your not my dad but I can see you like to insult, I hope you have a better day!
myaccount
Bruce probably provides more defense at 2B than Odor does lol
toptekjon
My guess – Bruce has not looked good. Move Lemehieu to 1B, Odor plays 2B. When Voit gets back, Odor is a bench player. Good lefty power bat to have on bench.
rocky7
Yup…think that’s exactly the plan except that given the chance, Bruce will produce while not hitting for average….Odor gives them a solid option at 2nd and he’s a lefty hitter.
Curly Was The Smart Stooge
You can”t be serious toptekjon, Odor is not solid at anything. He’s completely liquid
GooseGoslinGuy
Odor is a strange move but I suspect this analysis is right. Bruce was a temporary fix from the beginning. They hope that Odor does his best Dozier or Uggla imitation, only from the left side. If the Odor of 2016 returns, it’s an absolute steal, especially since he costs them nothing. Still seems like an experiment, though. Every other area of his game is weak, and the Ks might have Yankee fans booing bigtime. Bruce is the lefty Adam Duvall. When guys like that reach their 30s, their careers become transient.
flyfisher64
The last thing the Yankees need is a second baseman?
oz10
He also showed in spring training he played a decent 3rd.
myaccount
He did not play a decent 3B. His awful defense is partly why he didn’t break camp. He provides little to no defensive value, can’t run the bases, strikes out a ton, and can’t get on base. Oh, but he hits homers here and there.
FSF
Sounds like dealing for dealing’s sake.
jdgoat
They found the one replacement who is worse than Wade. Ok then?
Yankee Clipper
Haha, I actually chuckled at this one.
Captain-Judge99
This is a real shocker. Not really sure where Odor fits on the team?
Ducky Buckin Fent
He will be our new designated “hitter”.
Captain-Judge99
@Ducky Buckin Fent- yeah, but Odor being our new dh isn’t making me feel any better. Lol. Don’t we have have Giancarlo to be our dh? Odor will be a utility player that will hit a few homers and play lousy defense. I hate this move. No reason why Estrada couldn’t to what Odor does.
Mrtwotone
Not sure where odor fits on any team tbh
Yankee Clipper
So, if he is bad, does that mean the Yankees have bad Odor?
Ducky Buckin Fent
@Clip
A few quick things.
– Cash has a really good track record with position players. The Yanks must see something here.
– I wonder if the thinking is to put him at first?
– he had a couple pretty good seasons in Texas
– might be better than Bruce
– this guy has to have some experience in the ring. Look at that punch: stayed nice & compact, no hitch, good follow through, kept his left up, & his feet were perfect (look how his heel comes off the canva-…um, dirt). That’s exactly how you throw a cross. Textbook.
– Stowers & Cabello are junk
– he will look better clean shaven
– Cash loves his value adds. He must believe this is another one of those
Conclusion; I like it.
Go Yanks.
YankeesBleacherCreature
Hey, Odor comes practically free and is a two-outcome player. His Babip has been .244 in ’19 and .177 in ’20 which is unusually low and he’s had a bit of bad luck. If Thames can help Odor reduce his swing zone, he can be solid. Tough act for an aggressive hitter though.
JoeBrady
– this guy has to have some experience in the ring.
=============================================================
I think the only better punch I’ve seen was Ray Knight against Eric Davis, and Knight definitely had ring experience.
Ducky Buckin Fent
Ray Knight fought Golden Gloves.
& – mercy – lit Davis up.
YankeesBleacherCreature
Nolan Ryan vs Robin Ventura bout would like a word.
Ducky Buckin Fent
@BleacherCreature –
In general, I don’t care for the “appeal to authority” argument.
But, Cash does great with his position player acquisitions. So I really think he must like Odor & believes the Yanks can get him back to the productive & dangerous hitter he was at one point.
The Rangers gave him a whole bunch of money.
It looked like he was well on his way to becoming an All Star (can we still use that term?) caliber player.
Gotta be something here.
Yankee Clipper
Yeah, Ducky, what strange is the Rangers are essentially paying Stowers and Cabello 27MM! What? Baffling.
His right though? Nice! Especially in a WS against……. David Price. He can get right up under that tall lanky feller, and put him to sleep ala vintage Tyson. Night-night Pricey pooh
Ducky Buckin Fent
Is Price recovered from his /snickers/ Fortnight injury yet? I wanna see a fair figh-….mmmm…at least an excuse free bout.
63-1 it’s over by KO in the first round. Odor dropping Price.
Now if it’s settled via video games or knitting? Well our boy might have a hard time with that.
padam
Armando Benitez here. Yankees ‘team.’
Yankee Clipper
Ducky, you still checking this thread?
Luc (Soto 3rd best in the game)
Why? Odor is a useless unless they have another injury
CravenMoorehead
AL East officially on notice
faustocarmona
Going to look goofy without facial hair
ABCD
Nah, he already looks goofy.
Kevin Parsley
Yeah, and no beard will likely make his ears stand out even more.
Srechter35
Odor in NY. Yikes.
julyn82001
Say good bye to that ugly beard, Odor! God lord in heaven!
SportsOnFilm25
I was thinking the same thing. He’ll be required to shave the facial hair!
hiflew
Would he be allowed to refuse to shave? That policy was not part of the contract that he signed. They can release him if he refuses, but they should have to pay him regardless. I know it seems like no big deal to some people, but these are types of “no big deal” details that are inserted into contracts all the time.
Yankee Clipper
No hiflew, he doesn’t get to override team rules and regulations with an individual contract. As a matter of fact, I think he can be fined for each day in violation of their dress code.
I LOVE the no facial hair policy. Military standards. Time to grow up boys.
hiflew
But these guys are NOT in the military. Plus there is the fact that Odor is from Venezuela, so I don’t the military would welcome him aboard regardless. And he did not sign a contract agreeing to abide by this policy.
BTW, boys don’t have facial hair. The only way to get facial hair is to grow up genius.
StudWinfield
There are a number of foreign nationals in our military at any one time. For most is a way to accelerate their naturalization process.
pc01
Why do you care if a grown man playing baseball has a beard? Legitimately curious. And please don’t say tradition – this isn’t 1950 anymore.
StudWinfield
All it is is tradition at this point. Has anyone ever said that they did not sign with the Yanks solely because they would need to shave on a regular basis?
Yankee Clipper
No, but fans from other teams say players won’t go to the Yankees because of such a superficial reason, ie, Cole.
Yankee Clipper
Hiflew, please don’t start with insults, you’ll lose. It was an expression ignoramus, hence the “grow up” part. They’re men, dork, not tweens.
Moreover, I never said they were military, I mentioned it was a military standard. Who cares if they aren’t in the military, it doesn’t mean the Yankees have to let them do whatever they want with their hair.
They’re a business, they’re professional, and they represent a winning culture. I like that. You don’t, which is fine. Go grow a beard and lose somewhere with your team.
Problem with people like you is you must always attack Yankee fan who makes any positive statement about the Yankees. There’s nothing wrong with advocating for the existing Yankee policy. But you, you can’t stand that because it’s an injustice for you to hear people at a job must shave!
Stan 2
Technically the facial hair policy of the Yankees was instituted in the 70s I believe
Ducky Buckin Fent
@Winfield –
You are correct. The Corps seems to draw a lot of those kind of guys. Great soldiers. Great Americans. An honor to serve alongside & command.
bubblegumborders
David Price said he wouldn’t sign long term with the Yankees over their strict rules, including the facial hair policy.
This was back in early 2013 after coming off of a Cy Young award, so he would have had some folks listening at the time.
Here’s what he said about the proposition of potentially being traded to NY:
“I wouldn’t stay there very long then. I wouldn’t sign a long-term deal there. Those rules, that’s old-school baseball. I was born in ’85. That’s not for me. That’s not something I want to be a part of.”
hiflew
I have now figured out that just having a conversation with you already makes me a loser. Have a nice day.
its_happening
In Price’s defense he thought he wouldn’t have to pitch in big games when he signed with Boston. That is why he avoided the Yankees and the Cardinals.
Yankee Clipper
Wait, your measure is David Price saying he wouldn’t sign with the Yankees? Uh, okay. I double down on my appreciation for the no-facial-hair policy.
bubblegumborders
The question was raised, & I had a legitimate, verifiable, related answer. You, & the Yankees, would have loved to have had 2012-2013 David Price. There’s no need for revisionist history now.
Yankee Clipper
Huh? Revisionist history? Where did I revise it? Do you understand what that means? Try not being a bandwagon Yankee hater for a second…. think. You and everyone else, man, your schtick is so used up.
You cherry pick one year from one pitcher who made one statement that he didn’t want to go to the Yankees? Forget the fact that he was never, ever given an offer, so it could’ve been complete BS altogether. You think that is your success story, your gotcha to Yankee fans? Sad.
Ducky Buckin Fent
Now, now Clip.
You’re a bigger man & we all know it. No reason to insult the fairer sex.
The trolling of Yankee fans is a pretty weird thing. Not so much that it exists. More so, that it is somehow viewed as “courageous”.
It goes back to us having been raised in The City, I believe. Heck, even in the Corps – which is nothing but hard asses – New Yorkers were viewed as “extra” tough. I think it’s like that dare to go up to the neighborhood “haunted” house when you were a kid.
Makes ’em feel alive & brave for whatever reason. In my better moments, I view them with pity. Because that’s pretty sad.
But I get becoming frustrated with it.
Happened to me when whyhaze was all happy about Voit being hurt. We all have our lines, man.
hiflew
There is absolutely nothing in the world that would make me trust you.
bubblegumborders
The question was raised. I responded. You squawked about David Price in the context of years that came after when his quotation was made. I pointed out that when he said what he said he won the CY, & would have been welcomed on your favourite team. There’s no hating towards anyone here, or any team. Your attitude is grating though. You seem to have to snap back for little reason other than to make yourself believe you’re winning some imaginary contest. You must have some sort of complex about all of this to make this assumption from my responses.
Ducky Buckin Fent
@hiflew
Uh…non sequitur?
Anyway. If I was going to compile a list of things I care nothing about – & I remembered this – your statement would make it.
Btw, I don’t think trolling Yankee fans is brave. It’s quite the opposite actually. I hope you use this information to try & better yourself. Is it overly arrogant to say’ “you’re welcome”?
I don’t want to frighten you.
Ducky Buckin Fent
Ya know…my grandfather had an old saying that may be appropriate here; “screw ’em”.
He was a New Yorker too.
Yankee Clipper
It’s like talking to millennials…. everywhere
goastros123
Woah, not all millennials are bad. Lol. The Yankee fanbase is like any other fanbase: they got some good, nice fans and they got some jerks who make the nice ones look bad.
Yankee Clipper
Goastros123: Alright, my bad. Damn, you get what I’m saying though ….
goastros123
I do, and as an Astros fan, I might understand better than most people what you’re saying due to how some people perceive us to be.
Yankee Clipper
Yeah, that’s very true. You guys earned it though ….
I joke… I joke…..
goastros123
Yeah, yeah. All good. Lol.
Sid Bream Speed Demon
Wow, what a shredding you just delivered. Not one bite of snark, not two, not even three! You laid a four-course beat down for that dude. Amazing!
I can only hope that Rougned Odor appreciates all of hard work scouring the inter webs protecting his beard’s reputation. Well done.
Marcus Graham
His beard looks great. He’ll look weird without it. The Yankees really should change that dumb policy.
Stan 2
Never
I find it good that they have their policy and social pressure does not make them change it.
Jubilee3333
They should make Yankee fans give up their beards too. Including the women.
ftasports
Dad!
Nothing
Bruh why would the Yankees, one of the best team in the league, want this bum?
danielcalderon
Lefty bat with power, solid bench bat, and can give DJ a few days off
PutPeteRoseInTheHall
DJ? Days off? No way! His day off is 1B or DH
Baseball 1600
Isn’t there already a guy in New York named Derek Dietrich who’s practically the same player? Not doubting that Odor can hit 30 bombs again in NY though
danielcalderon
Dietrich didn’t make the roster
PutPeteRoseInTheHall
But Odor will? Come on now
Bighert
Anyone realize that this guy is bad at baseball? Mets should have traded for him he would fit right in over there!
PutPeteRoseInTheHall
This guy is TERRIBLE at baseball
psarg
Why…?
psarg
Left-handed power, but absolutely nothing else? At least Texas is paying most of the contract
citizen
sounds like the rest of the yankees lineup, power but not much else.
TradeAcuna
Looks like teams are starting their trades early before the Nats infect the entire league.
CravenMoorehead
Quality poast
wanamba
Not sure I get this…is someone injured on the Yankees? Odor is one dimensional all or nothing with power and speed has diminished recently. Also he really only plays second base.
oz10
3rd as well.
jolink65
Showed he had potential in Texas. Maybe they think he needs a change of scenery and a fresh start. As long as they’re not giving much up I guess it’s worth a gamble. If he still sucks then they can cut him.
Yankee Clipper
He’s the poor man’s Joey Gallo……
goastros123
He’s like the second basemen version of Dave Kingman: power in his swing but that’s about it.
Diggydugler
So it sounds like he is literally free, but is it worth the roster spot? Who gets cut?
joseselmer
There goes the beard
PutPeteRoseInTheHall
Harden already left Texas
HalosHeavenJJ
Lefties don’t really need power to hit 30 HR to the little league porch in right field. They need to make decent contact. Routine pop ups in other stadiums are bombs there.
Odor doesn’t make enough contact to take advantage of right field.
ftasports
Did you know Pesky Pope is shorter than RF porch? Yet nobody says that.
rocky7
Yes, holes like Halos just don’t understand that right field in Yankee Stadium isn’t the shortest in the league..they just like to spread their hate for the team…..
HalosHeavenJJ
MLB specifically told the Yanks to move right field back when the new ballpark was build.. Yanks went all Yanks and built what they wanted to build anyway.
I have plenty of hate for the Roid Sux, too. Had they signed Odor I’d be commenting on their Little League distance home runs to right.
marcfrombrooklyn
They actually moved it in. The corner is the same but the doesn’t curve back between the corner and the marker is right center as much as the old ballpark. It
Yankee Clipper
Do you have proof that MLB ordered Yankees to move RF back? I’m genuinely curious because I’ve never heard that. Realistically, it’s not the shortest, and there are plenty of fences close.
MarcBrooklyn: Are you sure? I thought I was the exact dimensions of old Yankee Stadium.
rocky7
Where did you get that
..mlb asking the Yankees to move right field out?
What a tool.
rocky7
It is…don’t even reward that Halos idiot with a reply to such a stupid comment…MLB asking the Yankees change right field dimensions!
its_happening
That clubhouse should be able to keep him in-check. If the Yankees have another injury-riddled season they’ll be able to use Odor.
Sabermetric Acolyte
Is he still hated in Toronto?
Jaysfan1981
Yes
its_happening
Only because he’s garbage and over-celebrates bombs down by 15 runs. Jays got their retribution after Odor threw the ball away in Game 3 of the ’16 ALDS because he’s afraid of contact at second base. That’s why he swung at Bautista.
PutPeteRoseInTheHall
And kicked his butt
its_happening
Odor would have RIP’ed if it wasn’t broken up.
Dorothy_Mantooth
Why even trade for the guy? I thought once you played as long as he did, he could refuse his assignment to AAA and still get paid the full amount of money due to him. If that is the case, why not let him become a FA and then just sign him to a league minimum deal. Better yet, why even sign him at all?
oz10
Because if they wait then Odor can choose where he goes. Yankees give up a nothing prospect for the right to have him. they can still release him if they decided they don’t want him either.
MasterCal
As a Rangers fan, LOL
fatkev78
NYY are determined to have all the trash individuals.
SavageInTheBox
Sounds like something an Astros fan would say.
The Baseball Fan
Like Gerrit Cole?
divac7
Why do the Yankees want him is the bigger question.
manny0209
DJ to play 1B
Jaysfan1981
So is this move basically the Yankees trying to scare the Jays?
If they can’t beat us on the field, then get a player to be a goon like in hockey?
Jays should sign Tie Domi as a bench coach just in case
LordD99
That’s a cute take.
Ancient Pistol
Jaysfan is thinking too hard about this.
Sabermetric Acolyte
Time and time again I’ve seen Brian Cashman pick up a discarded player only for them to turn into a solid contributor. So I wouldn’t just dismiss this out of hand.
PutPeteRoseInTheHall
Huh?
rocky7
Yeh,,,,Tauchman, Urshela, Voit….all 3 starters who he picked up for a pittance and all have become solid contributors….
thebaseballfanatic
TWO PROSPECTS for that puddle of motor oil? Seriously?
its_happening
As a Jays fan we can sit back and hope one becomes a superstar.
LordD99
Probably first need to see what they’re referring to as “prospects.”
LordD99
No!
Also, why?
Paulie Walnuts
That’s one way of getting rid of that uglyassed beard.
jdgoat
Lmao yes. It’s the first and only time the Yankees facial hair policy makes any sense.
TJECK109
Something stinks about this trade….
sillyscully
Urshela not seeing the ball. This may be to platoon him with a clean shaven Odor. Jose Bautista awaiting his arrival at JFK…
Lefty_Orioles_Fan
Hahaha where is he going to play?
swinging wood
Yankees are going to punch their way to the top with this move.
Lefty_Orioles_Fan
That is a very good observation
DarkSide830
why
Robertowannabe
Why not?
and
Because they can….
Will be interesting to see who the prospects are. If thy are paying most of the salary owed, may be some pretty decent prospects.
hdtrip
I’m shocked no one has made a “There’s a bad Odor in NY” type of comment
PutPeteRoseInTheHall
You just did…..
LordD99
Is their goal is to replace Wade, and do so with someone who can play across the infield minus SS, why not recall Dietrich from the alt site? He’s a better player.
Monkey’s Uncle
I wouldn’t think that Odor could be any help to the Yankees if he came free, let alone with that ridiculous contract.
Stan 2
Pretty sure the rangers are eating the contract in exchange for the prospects
64' Yanks
I’m willing to bet the Yankees will move DJ over to first base until Voit returns. Maybe the Yankees will release Bruce?
rocky7
Ah Bruce is going to contribute and while DJ is going to get reps at 1st, for now Bruce is the first baseman.
dopt
Yeh. He is so bad the Yankees want him. Hope the arrangers acquire two very good prospects amd make the Yankees pay most of if not all of Odors contract.
mustang
So Wade for Odor and people have are having issues with that??!!!
lol
Stan 2
Needs to be said
Something smells rotten in Denmark
julyn82001
The beard is gone… what in the world gives a player to look homeless making all these millions??? Children are watching, good parenting or otherwise… Clean cut Odor! Maybe now Rougned can turn it around? Thank you Yankees’ ownership for having a non-facial hair policy! Bless you!
Stan 2
You mean smooth out the Roughned?
Ketch
Good move by the Yankees. Now they can move Torres to shortstop where he belongs.
Oh wait…
Y2KAK
How is he only 27?????
The Baseball Fan
I was thinking the same thing
Robertowannabe
That is the birth date the guy on the street corner in Maracaibo put on the birth certificate that was supplied to the Texas Rangers to be able to sign him in January 2011. Actual birth date??????
Stan 2
Lied on his birth certificate?
Yankee Clipper
Stan, I think you meant to put a period where you have your question mark.
Robertowannabe
No, the guy from the street corner who supplied the Birth certificate may or may not have lied. 🙂
whyhayzee
“It’s a bit surprising to see the Yankees taking on Odor.”
He’s got the same personality as Sanchez, ornery and full of himself. So I guess it’s a fit. I’m not surprised.
StudWinfield
If Sanchez is anything it’s aloof. IMO he projects insecurity. World of difference between him and Higgy (Romine prior) behind the plate. He’d be a better player if he was ornery and full of himself.
Srechter35
Man, is that really how people view Gary? I don’t get that sense whatsoever. If anything, he lacks confidence and tries to please people. Real poor take.
Ducky Buckin Fent
@whyhsze
(sigh)
Where are you getting your assessment/assassination of Phat Sancho from?
By the way, Gary off to a good start, uh? But that would require actually knowing what the hell is going on in the world.
I understand why that’s an impediment for you.
Don’t like it.
But I get it.
StudWinfield
Well I guess it shows how they feel about Bruce and Dietrich.
DodgerOK
Somewhere, Jose Bautista is snickering.
qbass187
Crummy defender with a ton of Strike outs but hits HRs? Yup. Perfect Yankee.
Josip Tomic
Hi Steve,
Can you remove the word ‘second’ in the sentence? You put ‘second’ twice. Please & thank you.
“The Yankees and Rangers are finalizing a trade that will ‘second second’ baseman Rougned Odor to New York,
YankeesBleacherCreature
He IS the primary second second baseman on the NYY.
GarryHarris
I think the Yankees will let Jay Bruce. DJ LeMahieu will man 1B.
Whiskey and leather balls
They spent a fortune on DJ, i imagine he gets to play some 1B or DH for them to keep him healthy because they sure cant count on anyone else staying healthy in the Bronx, plus I highly doubt theywbp gave up more than two mega million tickets in the deal, and that part was just confirmed, no disrespect to those two fellas
Srechter35
Not loving including stowers in the deal. He was at least a semi-notable prospect. Yikes.
baseballhobo
This trade puts the Yanks over the top. The other teams should just give up.
Rbase
The trades today have felt very much like april 1st jokes
Stevil
Rbase nailed it.
Rangers fans should be pleased. This is a great return, regardless of the money involved (likely most of his salary).
CalcetinesBlancos
Haha, Rangers totally did this out of spite just to make him ditch the beard.
whyhayzee
Dang. Change one letter in the guy’s last name and it could be “Rangers obtain Showers to get rid of Odor.”
mlbnyyfan
This may go down as the worst trade in the Cashman era. Not what Yankees needed just another high strike out guy. Not sure why this deal was made.
Lars MacDonald
It’s a low cost move for New York.
Maybe the think they can help him with his batting.
rct
Do you feel any differently knowing the Yanks aren’t paying any of his salary?
YankeesBleacherCreature
Worst than Lance Berkman for Mark Melancon or Sonny Gray trade?
Stan 2
It’s a backup infielder and lefty bat off the bench. It’s not like he’s starting and batting cleanup.
You have to reach a higher criteria to be in the “worst trade” discussion
Mario93
It’s time to fire cashman.. it’s obvious he doesn’t know what he’s doing anymore. You can’t build a true threat with the New York Yankees… Yankees were always pros in the batters box, always. And this is from a Jays fan. These new Yankees don’t strike fear into anybodies heart.
dimelotitony
I believe there has to be more to this trade than Cashman is willing to speak publicly right now otherwise Odor is replacing Wade on the bench but can’t play shortstop so I wont be surprised if either Bruce is let go or Luke may be out longer than what the Yankees were predicting and now the plans changed.
I expect Thairo to be called up with Wade being sent down and could possibly mean goodbye to Bruce and DJ goes to first with Odor manning 2nd base so there must be two corresponding moves to occur otherwise Yankees don’t have a backup shortstop and means GIo will fill in which then they are risking him getting injured playing out of position.
mlbnyyfan
If Voit was going to be out longer than expected and they release Bruce the Yankees are better off with Ford or possibly give Gittens a chance instead of Odor.
dimelotitony
DJ at first is better than ford or Gittens there is more to this story that Cashman may not be providing the thought process completely. I just think that the way Cashman possibly sees this is to try and catch lightening in a bottle he is still 27 years old and could be playing now with more urgency who knows sometimes you put on the pinstripes and usually good things happen I mean look at how Cameron Maybin turned out amongst others.
Wade has been given way too many chances and just has not produced at all if Cashman had signed a backup shortstop well before Wade wouldnt even be mentioned he is on the roster only because Yankees dont have that option I like Estrada better this trade yes its confusing as heck as he is replacing Wade but then whom is backing up Torres that is why I feel other corresponding moves are bound to happen.
dasit
an injured yankee being out for longer than expected is up there with death and taxes
The Baseball Fan
Next up: Trade Tauchman
dimelotitony
Resigning Gardner made no sense that money could have been used to shore up the infield and Hicks is neither a healthy player or someone you can count on they could have shore up their defense with Jackie Bradley Jr ate some of Hicks contract and not resign Gardner now they have a hole at the primary positions with either injury question marks or no backup plan to solidify the position.
Flyby
Not sure if you are saying cut Hicks and eat 50million dollars or sign JBJ to be the backup OF? JBJ costs more in dollars and years than Gardner especially in a year where you had to be creative to just sign your best player back.
Even assuming he signs for the same deal he got with the brewers (which if at that point when you trade Hicks, Tauschman would have been your lone CF on the roster and JBJ would have a lot more leverage to get more) you would have to clear more than hick’s entire salary for the current year which i dont think any team off of covid season willing to take.
whyhayzee
He has lead the league in games, caught stealing and strike outs. He needs to hit into more double plays.
pustule bosey
you can’t lead in double plays if you always strike out
whyhayzee
If another guy gets caught stealing? I imagine that counts.
StudWinfield
Can’t wait to hear Cashman’s reason for trading for a Dietrich clone.
Rsox
Odor’s power may play big in Yankee stadium, they just have to figure out how to get him the AB’s
stymeedone
Putting bat on ball is a problem for Odor. Hard to show that power when you swing and miss.
Rc124
Ummmm… could have just kept Dietrich. More versatility with a power lefty bat. Head scratcher.
Altuves Buzzer
Why the prospects….
Could they not have waited till his release and gave him league minimum.
Rangers win this deal in a land slide.
They would have traded him for 2 healthy bowel movements let alone prospects.
YankeesBleacherCreature
That’s assuming no other team will claim him and Odor will take a bench role.
YankeesBleacherCreature
Lefty bat with pop and 27. Bruce’s days are limited when Voit comes back. I’m fine with the two traded prospects and the Rangers sending lots of cash. An off-day now would look like Gio/DJL at 3B, Odor at 2B, Wade at SS, and Bruce at 1B. Hope that there aren’t many.
dave frost nhlpa
I’ve seen enough of Gleyber at SS.
Please move him to 2B
DJ to 1B
Voit for pitching and prospects.
Who’s a short? A glove.
Enough is enough.
YankeesBleacherCreature
You do realize that doesn’t help the team? DJL has way more value playing a good 2B than an average 1B. If you’re insistent on moving Torres, why not sign someone next season and trade him in the offseason. Trading Voit (who is cheap) isn’t going to net you any difference-making pitching. If the NL gets the DH next season, the market for Voit grows. Doing anything now is selling low.
DarkSide830
still a bad deal
markakis
The Jays fans in here are hilarious lol, clearly they still are offended by Odor.
Gwynning's Anal Lover
Let’s hope Odor doesn’t stink.
Rangers29
heh… yankees…
Y’all get a clean shaven Rougie that y’all could’ve had for league minimum, and we get two prospects that are better than nothing while still eating all the money we would’ve if he got released… Thanks Yankees!
Ducky Buckin Fent
Sounds like the Rangers are picking up the whole contract.
I wouldn’t be overly excited about the return.
Stowers & Cabello are…fringey prospects at best.
True better than nothing.
But not much. Cabello looked like a legit prospect ~ 4 years ago, but his shine is gone, man. Stowers seemed like an interesting piece (part of the Sonny Gray return via Seattle) but the Yanks never seemed very high on him.
Interesting that the Rangers think Cabello can catch. If that comes to fruition that’ll probably skew the results towards Texas. Any idea what that’s all about?
stymeedone
With the Rangers picking up the whole contract to get rid of him, why are Yankee fans expecting anything from this acquisition?!!
seamaholic 2
How many trades have there been with the acquiring team paying literally ALL of a multi-year commitment? “A lot of” happens a lot. “Most” happens some. Don’t remember any “all” trades.
YankeesBleacherCreature
“Uncommon”
LordD99
I’ll just say it’s perplexing, but I’ve said these things before under Cashman only to watch the player become a contributor, sometimes a significant one. Both the “prospects” are fungible, to be kind. Yet, so is Odor!
HubcapDiamondStarHalo
So the Rangers are paying all of Odor’s salary. For salary cap purposes, does it count against the Yankees’ cap, since Odor is now contracted to them, or against the Rangers’ cap total, since they’re writing the check?
If it goes against the Yankees’ cap, they’ll still pay a little, as that salary will, I believe, put them over the cap…
Ancient Pistol
Why would it count against the Yankees if he’s free? Unless the league requires they pay the league minimum I can’t see how it hurts.
SJWMets
He stinks. It is implicit in his name.
JoeBrady
I don’t really see the angle here. Odor only plays 2nd. I assume they will move DJ to 1st and give 2B to Odor? Nothing else would make sense.
Odor is virtually identical to Michael Chavis from the RS. They didn’t give anything except for payroll, so I guess there is not much downside.
seamaholic 2
Odor’s not starting. He’s your designated lefty home run hitting pinch hitter. If he’s playing in the field, someone got hurt.
JLML57
Odor is one ugly dude.
madmanTX
Go look in the mirror, Joey Bats.
dasit
i can put up with ursula butchering shortstop if it means not having to watch tyler wade attempt to swing a bat
JoeBrady
But how would that work? Odor has never played 3rd. If Wade is gone, and Torres gets a day off, it becomes something like Bruce at 1st, Odor at 2nd, Urshela at SS, and DJ at 3B?
dasit
it becomes exactly that, so god help us if torres gets hurt. additionally, if voit does the patented “6 weeks turns into 1 year” yankee injury progression and judge should do down (which he tends to do) i could see them moving bruce to right field and throwing tauchman at first base moneyball-style
YankeesBleacherCreature
Even though Stanton has been relegated to DH duties, he can still play the corners effectively. Hicks and Tauchman can also. Bruce will see little time in the OF if any.
Rsox
Odor played 13 games at 3B this spring for the Rangers
dasit
smart move on their part
♪
Imagine getting paid an additional $570,000 because you’ve performed poorly.
stan lee the manly
He doesn’t get paid an additional. The Mets pay all of his salary EXCEPT the prorated min the Yankees pay. He still gets paid the same.
Flyby
Damn those rangers are amazing traders … yankees get odor .. rangers get 2 players and the mets get stuck with the bill.
Tom1968
Ny is socialism state you know
YankeesBleacherCreature
Hey! I learned something today about paying and not counting against the tax line.
goastros123
I don’t see what he brings to the Yankees other than a body to sit on the bench.
ab3b29
Good luck to Odor, I wish him the best. Don’t expect much though Yankee fans. Dude is one hard head and head case. Worst thing that happened to him was the punch he threw at Bautista. Hasn’t had a signature hit since then.
Rosstradamus
Stowers alone is more valuable, what a bad trade for Yanks!
dasit
i assume batted ball profile is a big part of the calculation. years ago the red sox signed cody ross because he hit fly balls to left field and it worked out pretty well. when it comes to the yankees, assume the pro scouting department knows what it’s doing and assume the medical staff knows less about medicine than the cast of “scrubs”
YankeesBleacherCreature
I’d rate it between Grey’s Anatomy and House with Dr. Phil as second opinion.
RobM
Not someone I’d want on my team, but the Yankees as well as any team through their pro scouting to their analytics identify and improve players that I’ve thought were busts. They pulled Bartolo Colon out of oblivion. Turned Gregorious and Hicks into everyday contributors after both were being called busts. Took AAAA players like Tauchman and Voit to the majors. Made Urshela a star. Ok, I’m still convinced someone sold their soul on the last one. Bottom line, they traded a couple of fringy prospects because they see something they believe they can fix. It’ll be interesting to see if they can here.
YankeesBleacherCreature
I took a cursory look into his fangraphs page earlier. His Babip is pretty low for the past two seasons which says his batted linedrives have been finding gloves at a high rate. He’s also swinging at way too many balls and inducing too many IF flyballs. Toning down his aggression and tweaking his batting stance to see the ball longer would be a start at the expense of less power. But it doesn’t take much to hit the ball over the YS RF porch.
Dumpster Divin Theo
Boo. Wish my protégé jed had picked him up
Cult of Dickie Thon
Yanks really are trying to build a “HR or bust” offense including bringing in Bruce this offseason.
Odor is as one-dimensional as Bruce offensively but he’ll fit in well in Yankee Stadium.
hugh jass
he’s off to stink up new york city
Cosmo2
It’s funny to me how the Yankees make this fringe pickup… a spare part… and already some fans are penciling him in as a future starter. It’s a peripheral move that in the end will mean very little. Odor’s absolute peak was a 105 OPS+, let’s not make too much of this.
Tom1968
Funny, there was always a rough odor when i drove past yankee stadium
hyraxwithaflamethrower
Why would they go for Odor? There’s no place for him on a good team. Seems like a misfire from Cashman & co.
pappyvw
Gonna be interesting to see him post-beard. He won’t want to shave it, but rules are rules
luvthedayankees74
I hope he doesn’t love that beard
nyy42
who cares
nyy42
this guys trash!
Gasu1
Odor strikes out so much because the beard gets in the way. The Yankees are gonna turn him around, like magic!
kelticknotz
The beard thing is a non-issue. Your a professional player, you know the team rules going in. You either accept the rules each team lays down or you don’t, if you don’t accept them you opt not to play and the club then decides whether they will have you sit on the bench and no play you or trade you to some other team that might be willing to take you.
But the issue of long term contracts raises is ugly head again. Players want long term deals (job security) and teams signing them to these long term deals only to find that two or three years into that deal, the player was a flash in the pan and now they are stuck, this past off season the player agents were whining about how few long term deals were made in comparison to previous years. maybe its just that the owners are finally waking up.