The New York Yankees are doing well in 2024. Despite injuries to Gerrit Cole and third baseman DJ LeMahieu the team has found ways to win. However, the Yankees are still adding to the team. The club has agreed to a minor league contract with Rougned Odor, according to the New York Post’s Jon Heyman. according to the New York Post’s Jon Heyman. Odor played for the Yankees in 2021.
“Rougie Odor agrees to minor league contract with Yankees with an opt out after July 1,” Heyman wrote on X.
Odor signed with Nippon Professional Baseball’s Yomiuri Giants on January 20. Odor played for the San Diego Padres in 2023. He was cut from the team in July, according to the Associated Press.
Odor’s History With the Yankees
Most fans likely remember Odor from an incident in 2016. Odor took a swing at Toronto Blue Jays‘ Jose Bautista at second base.
Odor started his major league career with the Texas Rangers in 2014. He had three 30-home run seasons for the Rangers. He would play there until the Yankees traded for him in 2021.
Odor played in 102 games for the Yankees. His time in New York resulted in 15 home runs and a .202/.286/.379 slash line. The Yankees designated him for assignment and eventually released him after the 2021 season.
He played for the Baltimore Orioles the following season. As a member of the Orioles, he had a .207/.275/.357 slash line. He signed a minor league contract with the Padres and made the opening day roster in 2023. However, he would play just 59 games before being released.
Odor has played in 1,154 games in the majors over the course of his 10-year career. He slashes .230/.288/.422 with 178 home runs and 568 RBIs. Odor will provide more depth for the Yankees with LeMahieu on the injured list.
Yankees Off to a Strong Start Despite Injuries
Before the season even began news broke that ace Gerrit Cole would miss significant time due to an elbow injury. Injuries didn't stop with Cole. The Yankees announced that LeMahieu would start the year on the injured list after fouling a ball off his foot on March 16. Despite the injuries to two starters, the Yankees started the season with a four-game sweep of the Houston Astros
. They followed that up with a series win over the reigning National League champions, the Arizona Diamondbacks. While still very early, the Yankees, 6-1, sit atop the American League East. Signing Odor could indicate LeMahieu’s progress, but regardless provides the organization with depth if one of their current infielders gets injured.traded for Jon Berti
Miami Marlins
The Yankees to help with the puzzle at third base while LeMahieu recovers. However, Oswaldo Cabrera may have the edge on Berti due to his hot start to 2024. Cabrera is from the .346/.393/.615 with two home runs and seven RBIs through the first seven games. 30-year-old Odor is far from his 30 home run seasons for the Rangers. However, he could still fill in for the Yankees in the infield if they need in an injury situation. The left-handed player will have the option to opt out after July 1 if he isn’t satisfied with his role. slashing The New York Yankees have agreed with Rougned Odor on a minor league contract that would return him to the team.
30-year-old Odor is long removed from his 30 home run seasons for the Rangers. However, he could still fill in for the Yankees in the infield if they need in an injury situation. The left-hander will have the option to opt out after July 1 if he isn’t pleased with his role.
