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Let's take a look at 10 of the most important attributes that should help to indicate what a prospect’s future might hold. Players are ranked on a scale of 1-10 by their qualities for each aspect, accumulating in a final prospect grade. Grades are based on what prospects can bring to the table from the current position they are projected to play in the major leagues.
Without further ado, let’s find out if Rougned Odor makes the grade…
1) Baseball IQ – Back in 2011, Odor was involved in an on-field brawl that you can view here courtesy of deadspin.com. Odor drew negative reviews for his hand in instigating the ordeal. He was just 17 years-old at the time, so a pass is warranted until those actions become reoccurrences. Rating: 8 out of 10.
2) Batting-Eye – Rougned could improve his walk rate after drawing just 35 free-passes in 2013. He does have nice bat speed, and uses the barrel of the bat to make good contact. Scouts believe he needs to stay within himself and stop trying to become a power hitter. Rating: 8 out of 10.
3) Hit-Tool – Baseball America has Odor with the best hit-tool for average in the Rangers’ farm system. When asked about his 2013 season, one scout had this to say about the prospect, “Odor showed strong contact and promising power against much older competition.” This might be his biggest strength. Rating: 10 out of 10.
4) Power – The second baseman can contribute with the long-ball as well. After his second consecutive season of reaching double digit HR’s, Odor has proven he is a threat to go deep with the bat. The young prospect still isn’t done developing his power. Rating: 8 out of 10.
5) Speed – Odor can hold his own on the base paths, totaling 32 stolen bases between two levels last year. Once he arrives in the big leagues, he should be able to contribute nicely with the SB’s, depending on how he grows and fills out over the next few years. Rating: 9 out of 10.
6) Body –Another small-bodied second base prospect, Odor checks in at 5’11” and 170 pounds. He still has a lot of growing to do at the age of 20. Odor might be not be very big, but they say big things come in small packages for a reason... Rating: 9 out of 10.
7) Durability – The prospect has logged over 100 games played in each of the past 2 minor league seasons. Odor has shown the ability to adapt to the older competition and stay on the field while holding his own and adjusting to the rigors of minor league life. Rating: 10 out of 10.
8) Ceiling – If Odor continues to develop at the rate we saw him climb prospect rankings in 2013, he could quickly separate himself from the rest of the pack at second base. Odor has the power, speed, and hitting ability to contribute across the board in fantasy leagues. Rating: 10 out of 10.
9) Floor – At the age of 20, there is still a plenty of time for this prospect to go in any direction. And if Andrus and Profar are running the middle infield in Arlington for the next decade, where will Odor fit in? There are still many questions surrounding the prospect. Rating: 7 out of 10.
10) Future – The future is bright for Rougned, as he has now worked his way into the discussion as the top second base prospect in the minor leagues. There is still plenty of time for things to go wrong, but if Odor continues to develop at this rate, he could be very special. Rating: 9 out of 10.
Overall Grade: 88% - B+
Future Outlook: The Rangers signed the left handed hitting prospect out of Venezuela on January 1st, 2011. Now one of the Texas Rangers’ top prospects, Odor was just 19 years-old when he finished the 2013 season at Double-A. Although he has quickly fought his way to Double-A, the Rangers will be in no hurry to rush him to Arlington. With Elvis Andrus and Jurickson Profar already working the middle of the infield for the Rangers, Odor could be used as a trade chip in the future. But if the prospect continues to develop at this rate, he will just add to this organization’s wealth of middle infielders. His prospects are bright in fantasy leagues as well, as we could be looking at one of the top second base options during his prime.
