Texas Rangers: Three reasons there is still hope for Rougned Odor

Patience at the Plate

Odor’s presence at the plate is something you don’t see if you just look at the numbers,  but if seen in person, pitchers respect his bat. He has struggled, yes, but at any moment he can take you deep. That comes with seeing pitches and being selective. Looking solely at the numbers, Odor has managed to control that big swing of his considerably better in 2019. A stereotypical bad swinger, Odor managed to lay off high pitches of any variety much better in 2019. His swing percentage at pitches up above the zone averages out to about 29%, with the highest being at 53% right over the heart of the plate above the strike zone. What does this lead to? More walks.

If Odor isn’t tempted by the high pitch, you have to put it in the zone or in the dirt. You know he does damage in the zone, and he tends to like the low ball, so what do you do as a pitcher? Walk him. Odor’s walks have increased over the course of his career, and in 2019 peaked at 52. Now, that’s not great, but it’s an improvement. If he sees pitches and begins to look for pitches to do damage with, he will inevitably hit the ball hard. Hits will fall, but it begins with pitch selection and patience at the plate. Both of which he has improved.