Veteran Infielder Signs Overseas After 10 MLB Seasons

Rougned Odor, a 10-year veteran MLB player, has embarked on a new chapter in his career by signing with the Yomiuri Giants in Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB).

This transition comes after Odor's diverse journey through several MLB teams over the past few years.

Having started his major league career with the Texas Rangers in 2014, he quickly made a name for himself as a powerful slugging second baseman.

The Rougned Odor signing for Yomiuri is an unusual one, and his poor BB/K doesn’t bode well for success in NPB. As a pure utility option or depth piece though, someone with almost 200 HR in MLB isn’t the worst pick up.

Imagine they will still sign at least one true outfielder. pic.twitter.com/UWwE6AkaGY

— Yakyu Cosmopolitan (@yakyucosmo) January 20, 2024

His most notable seasons with the Rangers included hitting 33 home runs in 2016 and 30 in both 2017 and 2019.

However, Odor's career trajectory took a turn after he left the Rangers in 2020.

He played for the New York Yankees in 2021, followed by a season with the Baltimore Orioles in 2022, and a short stint with the San Diego Padres in 2023.

Despite his formidable power at the plate, he struggled with consistency, grappling with high strikeout rates and challenges in maintaining a high on-base percentage.

Former #Rangers, #Yankees, #Orioles and #Padres infielder Rougned Odor is close to signing with the Yomiuri Giants, per Hochi Sports.

The 29 year old infielder has hit 178 homers in MLB, but has done so with a OPS+ of 87.

Looks like he'll have to shave his beard again. pic.twitter.com/AuONuBNs0p

— Gaijin Baseball/外国人野球 (@GaijinBaseball) January 19, 2024

As of 2023, at 29 years old, Odor held a career batting average of .230 with 178 home runs and 568 RBIs, accumulated over ten major league seasons. He's posted three 30+ home run seasons over his 10-year MLB career.

His move to the Yomiuri Giants offers him a fresh opportunity to reinvigorate his career.

The Giants, a prestigious team in the NPB, could provide the right environment for Odor to rediscover his form and potentially pave the way for a future return to Major League Baseball.

This move is seen as a chance for Odor to overcome the recent hurdles in his career and demonstrate his capabilities on an international stage​.