The Texas Rangers made their first move of the offseason last week when they acquired veteran right-hander Jake Odorizzi from the Atlanta Braves in exchange for left-hander Kolby Allard.
Odorizzi chose to exercise his player option for the 2023 season and was subsequently traded to Texas.
Odorizzi went 6-6 with a 4.40 ERA in 22 starts with the Braves and the Houston Astros in 2022.
Since being traded to Texas, Odorizzi has expressed his excitement to pitch for the Rangers.
Odorizzi commented on Monday that landing in Texas was a good situation for him as he foregoes free agency for one more year, and expressed optimism that he would have a chance to pile up some more innings.
Odorizzi Comments On Pitching In Texas
Odorizzi brings some key veteran experience to a young Rangers team that has not tasted the postseason since 2016.
The 32-year-old has also pitched in the postseason, which will be key for the Rangers as they search for an ace this offseason.
Odorizzi came up with the Kansas City Royals in 2012 before being dealt to the Tampa Bay Rays in the Wil Myers trade.
The right-hander was an All-Star in 2019 with the Minnesota Twins.
Texas had a big offseason last year, signing Marcus Semien, Corey Seager, Brad Miller, and Jon Gray.
However, the Rangers finished 68-94 and in fourth place in the AL West.
With Odorizzi, they now have a solid veteran in their rotation next to Gray and Martin Perez who can give them some key innings.
For his career, Odorizzi owns a 3.99 ERA in 241 appearances and 237 starts.
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