Texas Rangers: 3 biggest questions this offseason
By Taylor Dunn
3. What’s next for Elvis, Odor?
The time for a couple long-time Texas Rangers could be coming to a close
Elvis Andrus
Elvis Andrus debuted for the Rangers in April of 2009. The Venezuela native has been the club’s Opening Day shortstop each of the past 12 seasons. He was a key piece on the World Series teams of 2010 and 2011, as well as the division-winning teams of 2015 and 2016. Andrus has more stolen bases than any player in Ranger history. Only Michael Young has played more games. His play, infectious personality, and on-field antics have made him one of the most beloved players in franchise history. But, fans have to be honest: Elvis has not been a good player the past few seasons.
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Since posting an all star-worthy campaign in 2017, Andrus has been a below average Major League hitter. 2018 was an injury-riddled season in which Elvis hit just .256. In 2019, he put up a .707 OPS (well below league average). And 2020 was the worst yet. In just 29 games, the 32-year-old hit just .194 with 3 HRs.
Andrus was not an everyday player down the stretch in 2020 and saw playing time go to rookie Anderson Tejeda. Heading into next year, a roster spot is not guaranteed as it has been for over a decade. Hopefully, Elvis can get healthy and prove himself worthy of regular playing time. Unfortunately, Andrus’s best days may be well behind him.
2021 prediction: Andrus makes the 2021 Opening Day roster and serves as a bench player.
Rougned Odor
There’s a case to be made for Rougned Odor as MLB’s worst hitter. His 2016 season where he hit .271 with 33 HRs has proven to be an anomaly. Since then, Odor has shown he can still hit the long ball. But, from a statistical standpoint, that’s about it.
2020 finally saw Odor lose playing time. Injuries played a factor, yes, but Chris Woodward trotted him out for just 38 games this season.
The Rangers are rebuilding. Odor is a bad player. He’s signed through 2022 with a team option in 2023. It seems the Rangers have finally faced the reality that a 6 year/$49.5 million contract was a bad decision.
It’s time to move on.
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2021 prediction: The Rangers figure out a way to trade Odor this offseason in a bad salary swap.