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Yomiuri Giants Sign Rougned Odor

By Mark Polishuk | January 20, 2024 at 8:36am CDT

Veteran infielder Rougned Odor has signed with the Yomiuri Giants of Nippon Professional Baseball, according to Hochi Sports.  Odor had been a free agent since he was released by the Padres back in July.

Signed to a minor league deal last winter, Odor made San Diego’s Opening Day roster and appeared in 59 big league games, hitting .203/.299/.355 over 157 plate appearances.  He acted as a left-handed hitting complement to the Padres’ largely right-handed infield group, and also chipped in at several positions around the diamond.  Odor spent most of his time at his traditional second base spot, but also saw some playing time as a third baseman, and played some first base and right field for the first time in his MLB career.

Best known for his long stint as the Rangers’ everyday second baseman, Odor hit 127 homers over 2869 PA with Texas from 2015-19.  His power was essentially the only plus within an otherwise inconsistent offensive approach that included few walks and an increasingly large number of strikeouts, and Odor hasn’t posted an above-average (better than 100) wRC+ since the 2016 season.  For his career as a whole, Odor has an 85 wRC+ and a .230/.288/.422 slash line to go along with 178 career home runs.

The lack of production stood out given that Odor had signed a six-year, $49.5MM extension with the Rangers prior to the 2017 season.  Texas ended up trading Odor to the Yankees prior to the 2021 campaign, and Odor then caught on with the Orioles for the 2022 season.  Odor received some praise for his veteran leadership on a young O’s team that broke out to win 83 games, signalling the end of the club’s long rebuilding process.

Though he already has ten Major League seasons on his resume, Odor is still a couple of weeks shy of his 30th birthday.  He’ll now start his next decade with a new chapter in his baseball career as he heads to Japan, and whether he shows enough to catch the eye of Major League scouts for a future return to North America remains to be seen.  At the very least, Odor has secured a larger guaranteed payday for himself for 2024 than he would have found in the big leagues, as the infielder would’ve been limited to minor league offers.

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Nippon Professional Baseball Transactions Rougned Odor

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View Comments (66)
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66 Comments

  1. adambnicholas

    2 years ago

    Best known for (punching Jose Bautista in the face during) his long stint as the Rangers’ everyday second baseman

    There…fixed it for you

    20
    Reply
    • Joe says...

      2 years ago

      Looks like we had the same idea.

      4
      Reply
    • trog

      2 years ago

      +1. Well said.
      He jockeyed that moment into a contract extension and a ranch of horses. Thanks for the memories, Rougie.

      3
      Reply
    • swagsuperawesomeepiccoolman123

      2 years ago

      he’s also known as the guy who hit a home run that didn’t count!

      Reply
    • Zerbs63

      2 years ago

      I will always remember a highlight clip titled, “Ellis cuts down Odor”. When AJ Ellis threw him out trying to steal 2nd.

      6
      Reply
    • its_happening

      2 years ago

      Also known for pumping home runs down 15 runs. Odor spiked players sliding into second base, while whining Bautista barely grazed him.

      Odor is best known for quitting after a contract extension. Fixed it for you.

      7
      Reply
      • Rick Wilkins

        2 years ago

        It’s Happening – Can you show us on the doll where Odor touched you? I definitely wouldn’t say he quit on the contract. He was given a contract he shouldn’t have been given. Was he supposed to not sign it?

        1
        Reply
        • its_happening

          2 years ago

          Hi ZacharyP. If you say “I definitely wouldn’t say he quit on the contract”, I’d say you were too busy being touched to not watch him play the last 7-8 years.

          Nobody is saying he shouldn’t have signed it. He signed it, dogged it on the field and was garbage. But hey, you were too busy on the touching thing to realize.

          Next time you disagree try doing it better.

          Reply
    • cpdpoet

      2 years ago

      OH MAN adam, every once in awhile I youtube that punch…..evokes laughs and memories..

      Unfortunately I was on the receiving end of one of those x4 in my early 20’s. Inline for a bar/club and this guy was @5’5″ and 130 or so. Had him by @5 inches and 50lbs, but hey youth ? We squared off, but unbeknownst to be he was an amateur boxer. His hand were like blurs…. About 5-6 seconds later I was laying on the ground looking up.and not about to get up. Once my friends realized I was alive they couldn’t stop laughing and they next day I did as well. Thankfully before cell phones.

      So when I youtube that it brings back a lesson and a laugh as well.

      4
      Reply
      • its_happening

        2 years ago

        Anyone can swing first. It’s why it’s not all that impressive. Bautista stayed on his feet and would have destroyed him.

        Reply
  2. Joe says...

    2 years ago

    “Best known for his long stint as the Rangers’ everyday second baseman”

    I’d say he’s better know for something else.

    8
    Reply
    • CravenMoorehead

      2 years ago

      Rougned Odor 102 games with the Yankees in 2022:

      361 ABs
      .202/.286/.379
      .665 OPS
      -0.3 WAR

      Stanton 101 games with the Yankees in 2023:

      371 ABs
      .191/.275/.420
      .695 OPS
      -0.8 WAR

      10
      Reply
      • whyhayzee

        2 years ago

        But Stanton bench presses pretty girls.

        2
        Reply
        • CravenMoorehead

          2 years ago

          He does indeed but he never punched Bautista 🙂

          3
          Reply
  3. SODOMOJO

    2 years ago

    This feels like destiny. Meant to be

    3
    Reply
    • whyhayzee

      2 years ago

      If his name was Roeungd, would it feel like Density?

      2
      Reply
  4. tonyinsingapore

    2 years ago

    Dear Rougned,
    In Japan fans will show their dissatisfaction when you go through one of your infamous slumps.

    It is recommended that when you finally hit a HR that you do not stand on the top step of the dugout and curse out/flip off the fans (been here almost 20 years).

    Arigato gozaimasu

    4
    Reply
    • whyhayzee

      2 years ago

      Hey Tony, my dad lived in Japan for five years as a boy. I kind of joke about being raised in an Asian culture. My parents were married during the depression. So hard work was how you succeeded, not just by being smart or wealthy. Although I don’t like Odor, I think he is somewhat of a blue collar guy. Hopefully that work ethic will lead to him being appreciated.

      2
      Reply
      • tonyinsingapore

        2 years ago

        Hopefully, and he does have a chance there…
        Lifelong Carp fan and the WBC is crazy fun – everyday a double header with whiskey highballs served at your seat. The Japanese pregame player drills, high school like, are entertaining.
        I’m now Singapore, a country where boys aren’t allowed to play baseball after age 15 because it is considered too dangerous; have to play softball instead. Kid you not…

        Reply
        • Hawktattoo

          2 years ago

          That is pretty crazy. Is it because they might get hurt and cant work?
          In my softball days it was still pretty easy to get hurt.

          Reply
    • Slow day at work

      2 years ago

      Lougonedu Odoru-san

      1
      Reply
  5. mlb fan

    2 years ago

    “Rangers’ everyday second baseman”…You can pretend if you want, but Rougned will always be remembered for his shellacking and pounding of Jose Bautista. His playing career?…Not so much.

    2
    Reply
  6. I.M. Insane

    2 years ago

    Fun Fact: “Odor” translates to “pleasing fragrance” in Japanese.

    1
    Reply
    • whyhayzee

      2 years ago

      I got your pleasing fragrance right here pal. jk

      5
      Reply
  7. whyhayzee

    2 years ago

    Thugned Odor? I don’t know, maybe.

    Fights at second base are for ballplayers who don’t belong in the Hall of Fame.

    2
    Reply
    • Ubaldo Jimenez

      2 years ago

      Bautista dirty slid, and Bautista was a dick. Good to know you make excuses for dicks.

      Reply
      • whyhayzee

        2 years ago

        Um, I was referring to Bautista (and Pete Rose).

        Reply
        • lesterdnightfly

          2 years ago

          and Tim “Glass Jaw” Anderson

          7
          Reply
        • I.M. Insane

          2 years ago

          Jackie the Jaw?

          1
          Reply
      • its_happening

        2 years ago

        On YouTube, search “Odor’s slide spikes Giavotella at second”.

        Then come talk about Bautista’s dirty slide.

        1
        Reply
        • kodion

          2 years ago

          Face it: BOTH of them had a mean streak!
          Bautista could play well enough to be “loud” about it, as classless as that approach might be to some.
          Odor was …just Stinky!

          1
          Reply
      • Jaysfansince92

        2 years ago

        Odor had many slides that were much more dirty than that. He had it coming.

        Don’t let the door hit your ass on the way out Odor. Or do, I don’t much care.

        Reply
    • Non Roster Invitee

      2 years ago

      Ed Ott vs. Felix Millan.

      Reply
  8. drasco036

    2 years ago

    Well that stinks… dude has a lifetime 100% hard contact rate on Jose Batista’s face.

    9
    Reply
    • acoss13

      2 years ago

      Odor is ready to square up at the first shot…just not on the baseball.

      3
      Reply
      • drasco036

        2 years ago

        I’m curious what the exit velocity was on Batista’s sunglasses…

        5
        Reply
        • Ted

          2 years ago

          And you have a 0% contact rate on spelling Bautista properly.

          2
          Reply
  9. whyhayzee

    2 years ago

    I just realized the last two articles are Odor Hader.

    I have a nose for these things.

    6
    Reply
    • MLB Top 100 Commenter

      2 years ago

      Whyhayzee

      I think you’re just Joshing a-round

      1
      Reply
  10. Ubaldo Jimenez

    2 years ago

    Good for Roogie. Loved him as an Oriole. When he does hit, it’s in clutch situations. And he electrified the clubhouse. Glad he’s found somewhere to land.

    1
    Reply
    • mlb fan

      2 years ago

      Word on the street is that Rougned’s agent is negotiating a pay-per-view “steel cage” match with Jake Paul with the winner taking on Jose Ramirez. Who wouldn’t pluck down $99 to see that?

      1
      Reply
      • acoss13

        2 years ago

        Jose Bautista has entered the chat.

        1
        Reply
  11. Salzilla

    2 years ago

    Unlike the rest of the workd apparently, I’m completely blanking on this fight with Bautista. To me, I’ll always remember him just for his name which I’ll forever call Roughned Odor.

    1
    Reply
  12. robluca21

    2 years ago

    This guy has made 50 million dollars being barely above replacement level. Amazing the chances you get if you can hit the ball out of the park.

    6
    Reply
  13. gilleb

    2 years ago

    Bad hitting approach (always swinging for fences), resistant to coaching advice, poor judgment in the field — yes, Rougned Odor has earned every step along his fading career path. The big contract the Rangers gave him in 2017 was the worst decision ever by former GM Jon Daniels.
    Not only was it a waste of money, but in Odor’s small mind it was a validation that his swing-from-the-heels approach was his ticket to a long career. Yes, Odor will make the occasional diving. sliding highlight in the field, but he’s also prone to fielding lapses that make you wonder if he was even paying attention.

    3
    Reply
  14. Stan Papi

    2 years ago

    Well that stinks !

    Reply
  15. Tom the ray fan

    2 years ago

    It still amazes me he was able to hit 30 Homer’s with an ops less than 650.

    2
    Reply
    • acoss13

      2 years ago

      With an OBP of 280 it’s quite possible.

      Reply
  16. HalosHeavenJJ

    2 years ago

    Getting to experience Japan for a season would be cool.

    1
    Reply
  17. King Floch

    2 years ago

    Good luck, Rougie!

    Reply
  18. sfeivor

    2 years ago

    The worst thing to happen to him was his early power spike. He was known as a high average 10 to 15 HR guy as a prospect. He swung for the fences only after his first year and it ruined him.

    Reply
    • King Floch

      2 years ago

      “The worst thing to happen to him was his early power spike”

      Huh? It got the man PAID.
      We should all be so lucky.

      2
      Reply
  19. 178iq

    2 years ago

    Hahahhahaha barely an average player.

    Reply
  20. Stan Papi

    2 years ago

    Well that stinks

    Reply
  21. Raysasineppswasplanted

    2 years ago

    I wonder if there ever was an Odor-Odorizzi match-up. Odor stinks! Just kidding Roughie….

    Reply
    • Tom the ray fan

      2 years ago

      J6

      1
      Reply
  22. Old York

    2 years ago

    Well, the Giants won’t be competitive this year so no issue bringing on an MLB reject.

    Always nice to read some Yomiuri Giants news on here.

    Reply
  23. Non Roster Invitee

    2 years ago

    Whew! Wrong Giants.

    Reply
  24. Monkey’s Uncle

    2 years ago

    “Hey Rouhie, it’s your agent! I got you a deal with the Giants! What? Well, no, not those Giants…”

    Reply
  25. Ted

    2 years ago

    Good riddance.

    Reply
  26. StudWinfield

    2 years ago

    The real question is: does he get to keep the beard?

    Reply
  27. LordD99

    2 years ago

    40-HR season on the way.

    Reply
  28. gilleb

    2 years ago

    In his best season, he went to the plate 632 times…and walked 19 times.
    Over the next three seasons, he struck out 467 times, most in the major leagues, and had an OPS-plus of 78.

    The feeling among Rangers fans was that by 2020 he was the worst player in the major leagues. And he actually got even worse after he was traded to the Yankees in 2021.

    Reply
  29. andrewf

    2 years ago

    He’s probably not going to do well in the NPB unless he can hit for power ala Adam Walker. He might be replacing Lewis Brinson who actually didn’t do bad compared to the league average as it’s recently been a dead ball Era in the NPB.

    Reply
  30. Niekro floater

    2 years ago

    Something smells afoul in the orient, nxt stop Long Island Ducks

    Reply

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