The Astros have added the top player remaining in free agency, announcing an agreement with righty Jake Odorizzi. The deal is a two-year pact with a player option for the 2023 season. Odorizzi is represented by Excel Sports Management.
Odorizzi is guaranteed $23.5MM. That takes the form of a $6MM signing bonus, a $6MM salary in 2021, a $5MM salary in 2022, and a $6.5MM player option for 2023. The option comes with a $3.25MM buyout. Performance escalators can max the option out at $12.5MM while also bringing the potential buyout figure up to $6.25MM. Combining to make 30 appearances from 2021-22 will bring Odorizzi to just shy of $24MM over those two seasons in salary, while incentives could push the deal up to $30MM.
On top of the $5MM base salary for the 2022 season, Odorizzi would make $500K for reaching 100 innings pitched, $1MM apiece for throwing 110, 120, 130, 140, and 150 innings, with another $1.25MM if he reaches the 160 inning mark. The deal also contains some deferred money.
The addition of the player option is an obvious method of spreading out the contract’s luxury tax hit, similar to the Yankees’ recent agreements with Brett Gardner and Darren O’Day. With just a $3.25MM difference between the value of the option and the buyout, it’s highly unlikely Odorizzi exercises it two years from now. However, the player option pushes the contract’s guaranteed money out to three years, while still giving Odorizzi the chance to re-test free agency after 2022. That lowers the deal’s average annual value (which determines the luxury tax calculation) to a modest $7.83MM. Altogether, that brings the Astros’ CBT ledger for 2021 to around $203.6MM, per Cot’s Contracts. That keeps them barely below the $210MM tax threshold, albeit without leaving much room to make in-season additions without cutting payroll elsewhere on the roster if they’re adamant about not going over.
Moreso than paying additional dollars, the Astros’ bigger concern about the luxury tax may be more related to the draft-pick compensation penalties attached to teams that go over the CBT, as the Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal recently noted. With McCullers, Carlos Correa, and possibly Justin Verlander all in line to receive qualifying offers next winter, the Astros may be planning to reload their farm system with extra compensatory picks should these players all reject a QO and sign elsewhere. Houston would also have to surrender a higher amount of draft and international signing bonus capital for signing a free agent who rejected a QO from another club.
Reports surfaced last week about Houston’s interest in Odorizzi, which seemed natural considering that Framber Valdez is in danger of missing the entire 2021 season after suffering a fractured ring finger on his throwing hand. While nothing has been decided about Valdez’s status just yet, Odorizzi’s addition will help reinforce an Astros rotation that also includes Zack Greinke, Jose Urquidy, Lance McCullers Jr., and Cristian Javier. More inexperienced options like Luis Garcia and Brandon Bielak will now project as Triple-A depth rather than be called upon to immediately contribute at the big league level.
Odorizzi doesn’t quite fit the Astros’ usual model of pitching acquisition, as he lacks the big spin rates that Houston has often favored in recent years. It could be that the need to replace Valdez put Odorizzi on the team’s radar, and Astros GM James Click is quite familiar with Odorizzi from their time together in the Rays organization. Houston will be gaining a veteran arm who has a track record of eating innings, though Odorizzi did pitch only 13 2/3 frames with the Twins in 2020 due to a series of minor injuries.
Blister problems, a ribcage strain, and being struck in the chest by a line drive resulted in three separate injured list stints for Odorizzi, bringing a sour end to what had been a pretty successful tenure in Minnesota. Odorizzi posted a 4.01 ERA and an above-average 24.83K% over 323 1/3 innings in 2018-19, and chose to return to the Twin Cities in 2020 after accepting the team’s $17.8MM qualifying offer.
This decision to bet on himself didn’t entirely work out, as a more typical Odorizzi season in 2020 would have likely resulted in a longer and more lucrative free agent deal for the hurler (who turns 31 later this month). With Odorizzi having control over his fate for the 2023 season, he ended up technically receiving the three-year contract he hoped to receive for much of the winter, though it took him almost a week into March to finally land the contract.
MLBTR ranked Odorizzi 11th on our list of the offseason’s top 50 free agents, projecting him for a three-year, $39MM deal. The Twins, Giants, Angels, Red Sox, Cardinals, Mets, Phillies, and Blue Jays were among the many teams who had some level of interest in Odorizzi over the course of the offseason, with clubs joining and departing the hunt depending on other transactions.
ESPN’s Jeff Passan initially reported the sides had an agreement on a two-year contract with a 2023 player option. Mark Feinsand of MLB.com was first with the contract structure. Odorizzi’s former teammate, Trevor Plouffe, provided a breakdown of the incentive structure for the 2022 season. Jon Heyman of MLB Network was first to note the deferrals.
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images
Awful
Awful how? He’s a solid mid rotation starter
Awfully solid mid rotation starter if the contract is fair.
2 years, $24 m. Some deferred
Guess
Pretty close
I’m guessing because he didn’t sign with the DBacks.
THANK HEAVENS !
The long Jake Odorizzi free agency soap opera is OVER ! ! ! !
PLAY BALL !
He was traded for Zack Greinke back in the day. Now they pair up. Nice.
Odorizzi is stinky.
If the Astros fix this guy like they did Cole and Morton, look out.
Fixed Cole? Lol you can’t be serious
he was a well more consistent pitcher after the trade
Look at his numbers with the pirates vs the Astros.
Yes they fixed cole, as did they with verlander and Morton. He will have his best year to date using the astros “secret stuff”
Oh, my asterisks
Knock three times (Bang, bang, bang!)
On the trash can if you want me
Mmm, hmm, twice on the pipe
If the answer is no
Hey Gotham, that’s funny.
Thanks pal.
@tats
Keep telling yourself that! Verlander placed only 2nd in the Cy Young voting the year before the Astros acquired him. Not a whole lot of fixing needed. If two writers hadn’t left him off the ballot, he would have won it.
Another swing and a miss from ol’ gothamcityriddler..
Greinke better be careful or the Astros will fix him, too.
I dunno, after that negative PR when the whistleblower shared those texts from Cole about the various foreign substances that work best for his breaking pitches I’m not sure the league can look the other way when the Astros “fix” pitchers anymore.
Cole was scuffing wasn’t he?
@fox471- Greinke is beyond fixing. Didn’t he top out at 85 miles per hour with his fastball last season?
You mean he will be given some of Butters’ Creamy Good?
Still a good pitcher though, @Yank4Life.
You mentioned his fastball velocity. Check this madness out; Greinke has thrown change ups harder than his fastball.
Conceptually, this causes me to rethink a lot of what I thought I knew about change ups.
Zack Greinke is one of my favorite pitchers to watch work in MLB. He’s a really unique pitcher, a pretty damn good all around baseball player, & gets strikes & outs a bunch of different ways.
Yeah, his velocity keeps creeping down. But he’s one of those fellas that really understands exactly what he’s trying to accomplish out there.
Then you have to factor in some of the things he’s overcome to become one of this generations best pitchers.
Personally, I can’t say anything but good stuff about him. Wish he was on the Yanks staff, serious.
Cole going to Houston was years ago. Coaching pitching has progressed by light years since then.
Wes Johnson has been the PC with the Twins the past few years, He turned around a number of their pitchers. Jake had quality analysis and guidance. He may get adjusted some, but the sort of remake the Astros did with Cole is highly unlikely.
They made a lot of changes to Cole, and even Cole has said as much.
‘Fixed’ being the operative word.
Just like they ‘fixed’ the best pitches to hit in any given at bat.
Most likely they just introduced him to some good spin-inducing sticky stuff, like they do with all their pitchers.
Bam. Scratch scratch. Sticky. Bam bam.
What are you talking about?! Astros didn’t fix anyone – both those guys have always been great pitchers!
Cole before Houston: 3.50 ERA
Cole with Houston: 2.68 ERA
Cole after Houston: 2.84 ERA
Morton before Houston: 4.54 ERA
Morton with Houston: 3.36 ERA
Morton after Houston: 3.33 ERA
I’m no fan of the Astros, but without question Morton, Cole, and Verlander had their careers resurrected in Houston. I wish it wasn’t true, but it is.
No. Cole and Morton were vastly superior pitchers after adjustments in their mechanics and both changed arm angle as well. It isn’t debatable, both have said as much and it was reflected in their performance…. even Verlander said they made changes with him…. and it is reflected in their performance.
@ nook
Yes, pitching coaches make changes with their pitchers, even Verlander. I object to anyone saying Verlander needed Fixing. Its kinda like say Darvish currently needs fixing after last years performance.
I think you’re right, the Astros helped those pitchers. Unfortunately, there was some pretty putrid morals going on in the front office so it’s highly likely that there is some unethical behavior behind the improvement. And since we know the yankees always reward cheaters with massive contracts, the cheating component is pretty much a lock.
Well for whatever reason Verlander had a 3.82 ERA with the Tigers, came over to the Astros and then had a 1.06 ERA. Overall his ERA with Houston was a run less than Detroit.
Something happened.
11 – I can’t believe you’re using ERA to make a point.
When it’s that big of a difference in a full season, ERA is valid
I’m aware, Stan. Halo11 has often talked about how ERA is old school and antiquated for rating pitchers. I was surprised to see him use it.
I can’t believe people are so enamored with sabermetrics that they’re appalled when people use ERA as a method of comparison for a pitcher’s performance… holy cow, stop drinking all the Kool Aid people… it’s still a valid measure and a fairly solid one
Ma4170 – and to anyone else who didn’t see the sarcasm in my initial response to Halo11 – I have no problem using ERA at all for a pitching stat. Halo11 and I have had discussions in the past during which he has been adamant that ERA is not relevant in rating a pitcher’s value.
So for what I hope is final clarity, my reply to Halo11 was a friendly jab at him based on previous discussions he and I have had. So everyone can chill. I have no problem with using ERA as a statistic for pitchers.
I have a slightly different take. FIP isn’t any better or worse than ERA. FIP is there to explain large divergences in ERA. If you have an ERA of 5.50 one season, and 3.50 the next season, FIP can explain which one is more likely to occur.
But, like almost any formula, they are best used with a number of other calculations.
I’m not sure Odorozzi needs any fixing. He’s been pretty good throughout his career except for the 60 game sham last year. This will probably work out for the Astros.
@FMftHOF- what’s Odorozzi? Is that a new deodorizer in your bathroom?
Everybody breaking out the super thick rose colored glasses ! All those dudes the Astros “fixed” they fixed by teaching them to use an unauthorized substance to increase spin rate- which means they are all cheaters.
I’m certain the Astros have a sufficient amount of pine tar for odorizzi. Odorizzi plus pine tar plus Houston pitching coaches and we will no doubt see the spin rate increase.
Do you have proof?
Who needs proof when you have the internet and can spout off any obnoxious nonsense about anything or anyone. Did the Astros cheat? Yes. To what extent? That is what’s debatable. We DON’T have ANY IDEA. Due to the interview, they opened an investigation, came to a decision, and instilled penalties that have real consequences. It’s time to move on. My favorite team is in the NL EAST, let’s go Braves. So, don’t waste your time w trolling me and calling me an Astros apologist.
Text messages from Cole’s phone about acquiring foreign substances. Though I guess he didn’t specifically name the Astros so it will be difficult to prosecute your clients barrister.
Other ref…
https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2021/01/former-angels-staffer-alleges-widespread-use-of-foreign-substances.html
Lindbergh and Sarris note the correlation between the usage of a grip-altering foreign substance and higher spin rates for pitchers. (Both pieces are worth a full read for those interested). This figures to remain a topic of discussion for Major League Baseball, whether or not Harkins’ specific allegations are sufficient to warrant the continuation of his lawsuit.
More generally, MLB pitchers’ supposed usage of ball-altering foreign substances has become a notable issue throughout the sport in recent months. Last February, then-MLB senior vice president Chris Young sent a memo to teams prohibiting club personnel “from providing, applying, creating, concealing or otherwise facilitating the use of foreign substances by players on the field” (relayed by Ben Lindbergh of the Ringer in July). Nevertheless, Lindbergh spoke with several players who estimated that at least 70% of pitchers were using some form of illegal substance. In November, Eno Sarris of the Athletic spoke with nearly twenty MLB players and coaches about ball-doctoring, and the “median answer was more than three-quarters of the league (uses illicit foreign substances).”
https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2021/01/former-angels-staffer-alleges-widespread-use-of-foreign-substances.html
Most egregious thing that I can remember of a ball having too much was when the ball got stuck to Yadi chest protector. But again I agree better grip is good for the pitchers but having a little tar or whatever isn’t going to alter the ball to the extent your making it seem. It’s been done and happening for a long time.
https://youtu.be/Tq3_oiiXYSg
You mean the one where he was asking the Angels visiting dug out manager for substances?
The Jays have shown continue interest in… The Astros sign Jake odorizzi. Astros did it again!
Jays are just flirts.
Did the jays not give out the largest total dollar contact this year? And like 185 mil over-all this offseason plus they added 55 mil in salary last offseason. I don’t love how they spent all that money but they definitely aren’t just flirts. They also made 300mil bid on Cole last offseason.
Not just flirts then. But they flirt a lot.
Always 15 minutes before the bars close with the Jays. They hit on everyone and go home alone.
Im surprised they spent money. It took the jays signing springer and nearly getting brantly before they would step up.
Jays are in on everybody bc only 1-10 free agents will consider Toronto in the first place. U gonna pick to live in Texas or Canada ?!? Hmmmm….bet he made his mind up in a 1/2 a heart beat
“Texas has a Neanderthal governor…”
Yes. Of course.
That’s why Elon Musk moved his family and businesses world headquarters there….
Ellison and Oracle. Dozens of top American companies have moved there, as have many foreign giants after negotiating with the Governor. Currently in talks with NASDAQ to move its computerized back office operations to Dallas, with the remainder following.
Wow, Dude, we get it, Texas sucks.
That’s cute A’s fan, you think masks actually make a difference. It’s not like the box they come in says that they’re not effective against covid. Oh, wait….
Sam,
Stick with sports. You’re not impressing us with your big brain.
Dr. DTDATL / Epidemiologist,
Thank you for your professional expertise, nudnik.
Reading a box is professional expertise?
Masks don’t do anything except give the pigs wearing them another item of trash to throw on the ground when they’re done with it. You see these useless masks lying on the ground everywhere you walk.
Exactly my point.
Houston is becoming a wasteland for pro sports
What happened to all the comment made under this post?
Thats exactly what springer did
Good pickup. I rlly wanted to see Valdez in a full season RIP for me. The Astros took another top FA from the Jay again lmao. At least Bob didn’t report ot
What other “top free agent” (of which Odorizzi is not) did the Astros take from the Jays? I can think if a big piece the Jays signed that the Astros really liked.
Michael Brantley
Jays really weren’t interested. The giveaway is when the claim is made by Heyman.
@WAJGH- apparently the Dunedin Jays aren’t interested in winning the AL East this season either.
Nah. It’s not that they aren’t interested. It’s a matter of agreeing with the methodology and process by management. It’s like taking a road trip without a map.
Instead of signing him we get to face him and still have 4 holes in the rotation after this year. Great.
HalosHeaven, you seem to know the Angels very well.
What would you think of a 2022 rotation to be selected from; Canning, Rodriguez, Ohtani, Detmers, Sandoval, Suarez and Barria?
Realistically, there would probably be a free agent signing and/or trade acquisition added to the mix, but the SP listed above will be under contract in 2022.
Sandoval and Suarez need to show they belong in an MLB rotation. So does Detmers. And there’s zero depth behind them.
Ideally Ohtani, Rodriguez, Detmers, Canning in your scenario.
HalosHeaven, provided they remain healthy, the four SP you selected definitely offer the most upside. Add in a free agent signing and/or a trade acquisition and the Angels may have a competitive rotation in 2022.
I don’t think the Angels have four holes in their rotation. Cobb and Quintana are nothing Detmers will be solid and Rodriguez looked really good, and they will have payroll space.
He would just be another #3 starter in a rotation full of them. Doesn’t move the needle.
At first glance I read this as the Angels signed him and thought that’s a decent staff now, but I was wrong. Curious to see the money.
Called it to the actual years/salary a week ago. A no-brainer signing.
It even appears Jake held out for such a day!
Where are you even seeing salary reported? What is it?
Nice pickup. He was good with the Twins
I wouldn’t have minded him in Toronto, but three years is quite a lot to commit to a player like Odorizzi, unless the player option is fairly cheap.
Agree— I wouldn’t have gone past 2 years.
I suspect 3/36 type range.
I haven’t seen it reported but would expect it to be like the Bauer contract.
Third year option is dramatically lower than the first 2. Only added to help stretch the contract out to keep the average low for luxury tax reasons. Essentially a two year deal with the luxury tax hit so read over three.
Great signing for the Astros.
A solid, mid-rotation starter, who will take the mound 30 times and deliver above league-average innings. Let’s see what the cost is now, but I suspect it’s structured to lower the AAV
…while also allowing him to hit free agency again in a year post pandemic.
This dude is gonna be terrific in H-town. I know this might seem like a fairly small addition, but come playoff time that isn’t gonna be the thought. I am hoping that Valdez comes back by mid-season or near the end of the season because I love his stuff, and if so… the Astros are still good. A playoff rotation like so:
Greinke
Valdez
Odorizzi
Mccullers
Whitley/Javier
Don’t sleep on this team; they’re still good.
Really? You think Houston has a top notch rotation. Greinke is on his way out and the others are nothing more than #3 to #5 rotation guys., They will get blown out in the playoffs.
I never said they have a top notch rotation – no – they have a DEEP rotation. I don’t think many other teams can boast the kind of SP depth they’ll have come playoff time besides the Dodgers. They’ll have Greinke, Valdez (hopefully), Urquidy, Javier, Whitley, Odorizzi, Mccullers, and probably even more. That’s not to say they’ll have a top 5 rotation, but that depth will be scary in October.
@rangers29. I don’t think the Astros will rush Framber back. I expect like the report said he will probably miss the season. Odorizzi should fill in for his spot in the rotation well. Look for the Astros to contend for a playoff spot. That team still has plenty of talent.
@FMftHOF- no reason to rush Framber back. I’m sure the Stro’s will find a new method of cheating.
Unseal the letter!
with less pieces they were in the ALCS last year.
“They will get blown out in the playoffs”
1 win from the World Series with less
Lmao with less?? They rode their offense and the CA heat wave to the LCS, then lost their best hitter of the last half decade
Their best pitcher in the playoffs is out for the year, as is their top pitching prospect. And their 33M co ace. What a dumb comment
Once again you’ve definitively proven you have no clue what you’re talking about.
1) no one said it was a small addition.
2) he only pitched 10 or so innings last year so it’s anyone’s guess as to how he will do this year.
3) no one said they were NOT a good team so why are you pointing out that they’re “still good”
4) I hate you so much
5) re-read 1,2, 3, and especially 4!
Hey Lolmetz. I’m surprised this account of yours has survived the storm you’ve been through despite your other socks not being spared the same fate. Anywho, right back at you with that 4th option. Have a good day!
lmao !!!! I like #4
Not sure Valdez is in the equation. The last report is he could miss most of the year if he has surgery on his finger. That’s probably why they’ve signed Odorizzi.
Certainly not a small signing. Solid mid rotation starters are quite valuable over the 162-game grind.
Lordd99 you are exactly right! It’s precisely the reason why they signed him. Valdez is most likely lost for the year!
@Moneyballer- relax. I really love the “best cheaters ever” chances this year to win the AL West. Maybe they cheat again and win another World Series? Ask yourself who really likes you? Answer: Nobody
They can afford it since they will be playing to large crowds. Other teams in the division will have a hard time competing until they are on an even playing field in regards to in-stadium revenue.
The crowds in the stadium will likely be determined by an agreement between the players union and MLB. The Union will protect their players, regardless of what any governor says. I see an equal playing field for all teams.
Right…..
Unions have to protect their members from those that buy their products! (Imagine millionaire and billionaire players having to rub elbows with the great unwashed riff-raff? (Some of those morons even boo the players from the stands!) Ick!) And the Union members have to get their full salaries and benefits. Period! Nothing to negotiate!!
It’s only fitting therefore that the greedy, selfish owners that do nothing but lay around drinking and smoking on yachts all day and night pinching the behinds of scantily clad babes sunbathing on the deck that get rich off the toil of the workers, foot the bill And if they can’t get the bucks directly from the public, then the government should pay the Union workers first, then increase taxes need to be put into law to reimburse the government as well as additional highly-paid guaranteed government jobs added for the family, relatives and friends of the politicians that “want to serve” to collect and disperse said additional tax funds.
Dude has ridiculously outperformed his statcast numbers his entire career, and especially during his “good year”, this should be interesting to see how he does in Houston.
Wanted the Jays to grab him but 2 years and a player option for him? Hard pass.
He typically gave the Twins a chance to win every start. We certainly didn’t mind having him here. Not an ace but Houston doesn’t need that, they needed depth. Good signing. Guess: 2/26 player option at 11m.
The player option is what got him to sign. Odorizzi views this as nothing but a 3-year deal, what he was after the entire offseason.
Depending on how it’s structured, he may view this as a one year deal if he has an opt out.
That’s not necessarily true, they could be using the player option for CBT reasons, so the option might be small. It depends on what the yearly value on that option ends up being.
I tend to think they structured it this way for the luxury tax, otherwise why not just give him 3 years if he’s going to view it as 3?
Well it could go either way….if he pitches great and the player option is not equal to his market value he will get out of it but he could also struggle (like last year) and the astros will be stuck with him. Look at last year…he accepted his QO and barely pitched. Twins regret that decision I’m sure!
Player option gets him to 10 years of service which = pension
Odorizzi is a classic twice through the order starting pitcher. Fans who actually watch him and follow will know that this: it comes down to his elite stuff folds faster than a lawn chair when the 6th innings starts. Expect a lot of 5 2/3rd innings because it is a hump. I would absolutely love it if he overcame this impingement and I think the Astros could be the team to unlock it. Very excited to say the least.
One major problem that I see with Odorizzi is that he tends to throw too many pitches per inning (17.8 Pitches per inning) and it drives his pitch count to a level where he would get pulled after five innings. He also allows too many flyballs so he could all of a sudden allow a ton of home runs.
In the games he manages his pitch count, he’ll throw 70 pitches and struggle mainly getting out of the 6th. It is his kryptonite.
Now, trade for Rougned Odor and control all the odors, Astros.
They would need lots of dr schoals with odor control
I see a magical sudden large increase in spin-rate in his future.
$32M/2 is my guess.
You know who else was a good MORP before they joined Houston and turned into an ace? Charlie Morton. I expect big thinks out of Odorizzi.
Great signing!
The dead(er) ball is going to help Odo, who’s a pitch to contact guy. Astro’s defense is still pretty good, so that’ll help.
But ya, as someone noted, he’s 5 2/3 inning kind of guy. That said, it’s a good move and may really make a difference in the less-than-challenging AL West.
Arte Moreno!!! (Clap) (Clap) (Clap)
^AKA haloShane…
Look for him to thrive there, and please spare the trash can jokes
I am shocked Toronto did not sign him. The biggest difference between the Yankees and Blue Jays is starting pitching. He could have narrowed or even erased that difference
I guess they’re banking on Ray, Matz, and Roark being considerably better than last year and a breakout from Pearson. I think all those guys will be better but I’m not overly confident.
@C-Daddy- fat chance that happens. When have you ever been overly confident? Maybe the Jays playing in Dunedin instead of Buffalo this season will be your new charm? Good luck with all that happening.
Not this late in the game. A month ago, sure. A healthy Thornton, Stripling or Hatch might be a better bang for their buck. Also opens the door to a deadline deal or money to spend next offseason with Ray, Roark, Matz, Yates and Semien off the books.
Jake was an All-Star in 2019 and was injured in 2020. If he has a good year in 2021 it won’t be because the Astros fixed him.
I really thought the Jays would of gotten him. I mean they were in on everyone.
Figured Houston would be a possibility after the Valadez injury. Injuries open MLB roster spots for FAs. Remember when Victor Martinez tore his ACL on the Tigers and DET proceeds to sign Fielder?
Meh. The Astros got them Odorizzi. The Cubs have them Oforizzo.
I like it. The Astros need some experienced depth behind Grienke and McCullers and at least gives them security know they will have him next season as well.
Now that Jake’s off the board Rick Porcello becomes the number one arm available. Wonder where he will end up?
Poorly written. Should state the financial terms of the deal in the headline and or the first sentence or two.
Did you stop to consider that maybe the financial terms haven’t been disclosed yet? Instead you chose to criticize the author.
It’s a valid point though. They can even state that. Financial terms have not been announced. More to come, as they usually do. It’s surprising that the specfics have not been published. That often happens even when the deal is announced, but not officially. Once the team announces the deal, as the headline and first sentence says, they almost always have the contract details. It’s exclusion is a bit odd. Not MLBTR’s fault, but they’d help themselves by stating contract details are currently unknown.
So an “innings eater” is now defined as a starter with a career average of 5 1/3 innings per start? Pepperidge Farm remembers when that meant 7+ innings per start. Interesting…
Yeah 150 innings a year is hardly what I consider an “innings eater”. I was really surprised to read that!
I know Forrest Whitley was bad last year but he should be in consideration for a back end rotation spot. Stros could harness his potential I think, while limiting his innings. Like this signing for them (not an Astros fan) but I think I woulda opted for Bradley Jr. instead to replace Springer and patrol CF for a couple of years.
Whitley now dealing with a sore arm. He’s gonna be a bust like Appel. Should have traded him 2 years ago.
He was an All Star in the not so distant past, but I don’t see him having the stuff to hold down a Judge/Stanton, Cruz/Donaldson, Chapman/Olson, or Jimenez/Abreu types of players in the playoffs.
I used to love this website because the comments were hard baseball. Serious and intelligent, usually. Now, it’s just rubbish. I wanted to read and comment about how Odorizzi impacts the rotation. 100 comments in. Nothing. This sucks.
This seems to be a consistent problem with any sports website now. The ones I like that have decent conversation eventually degenerate. Fangraphs still at least has mostly intelligent conversations.
Even the Fangraphs comment section is a shell of it’s former self. I agree, but at one time it was quite rare to find a meatball comment. Same with this place, although it turned a good couple years before Fangraphs started to.
FG’s comment section is not as good as it used to be, but it’s not quite as annoying as other sites. Not sure what happened. The internet and sports sites and comment sections have been around for a long time. It does seem that even the moderate more intelligent sites degenerated into fanboy commenting. There’s a place for trash talking. It’s part of sports and fandom, but there was also more sane stops. Maybe many of these people descended here after their sites were shut down or they were banned. A number of sites no longer take fan comments. It’s a shame. Entropy is everywhere!
I think it’s just a reflection of society as a whole. The trend certainly seems to be drifting towards the uncivil vs. civil, in even the most mundane of topics.
You will probably never get 100p% straight baseball talk on any site. Many comments know nothing about Odorizzi beyond last season or just believe he must be bad because he took so long to sign. And any subject pertaining to the Astros is going to be rife with comments about them cheating and little actual discussion about the current team.
Odorizzi’s imapact on the Astros is solid middle of the rotation arm that adds innings and veteran leadership to a young rotation that is set to lose Justin Verlander/Zack Grienke/Lance McCullers next winter
The comment section has changed considerably in the last five years. The majority of comments in 2015 were on topic and civil. Now it seems to be just a lot of beefing amongst fan bases.
Unfortunately true, though I do seek out certain commenters on this site to gauge their take on related topics. I would, however, wholeheartedly seek to eliminate the god awful puns and “I thought it said” posts on this site. There remains great quality within the quantity – rule of life.
I apologize if I’m just blind here, but I keep waiting for the dollar figures, and overall contract structure that will impact the AAV. MLBTR says the deal has now been reported by the Astros, but I still can’t find the details, at least as of 8pm ET.
Almost every article from various websites say “terms of the deal are undisclosed” so for the moment its not known publicly. By opening day the AAV should be revealed
I was wondering about the details too. Someone said above that it was 2/24 with deferred. I have not seen that from any media source.
Its two years with an option for a third. That is basically all that is known right now
So the details are out. It appears Odorizzi came off his 3/15 demands quite a bit.
and maybe im looking at it wrong but it looks like 20 mil guaranteed, not 23?
It’s a 2 year $20.25 million contract if he declines the option, or a 3 year $23.5 million contract if he exercises the player option, before incentives.
How are the Angels not in on this guy? At the salary he went for, kind of a bargain. As long as he’s healthy.
The Angels don’t consider pitching a priority and have mega deals paying 100 million per year to 3 players. They need to throw away their entire front office. Once Pujols is off the books they’ll probably get a SS instead of a SP
MLBTR needs to throw away you, and your entire take. Stick to your Trash Astros. Bang! bang!
I’m with you Dave. He’s one year removed from being an All-Star and those 2019 numbers were very solid. 2020 had so many variables that those numbers should be weighted very lightly. Front offices must see or know something beyond the numbers because from our armchairs, this signing looks like a steal.
Anyone else find it strange that we have details on the contract because Trevor Plouffe posted them on Twitter? LOL
Very creative deal. I despise the Stros but good move. I’ll laugh if this turns into an asset this years trade deadline. People had chances.
Odorizzi went for a 7.83m AAV and the Mets are paying Taijuan Walker at least 2/20m?
Sandy Alderson’s an idiot.
Mets are very overrated.
With all their injuries, probably a good idea they sign him. He won’t be a top tier starter though.
I feel like I’ve repeatedly learned and forgotten that Jake Odorizzi is a right-hander. His name just sounds like he should be a left-handed pitcher.
I don’t know what that means, but I agree with you lol.
There you go Odorizzi! This deal seams fair for both sides. He played his hand long enough, “this is as good as it gets”.
Why didn’t I see this coming?