Jake Odorizzi Is Looking To Rebound In Texas Next Season

The first major move of the offseason was made last night when the Texas Rangers acquired veteran right-hander Jake Odorizzi from the Atlanta Braves in exchange for left-hander Kolby Allard.

Odorizzi was acquired from the eventual World Series champion Houston Astros at the trade deadline in exchange for veteran left-hander Will Smith.

Odorizzi went 4-3 with a 3.75 ERA in 12 starts with the Astros, but struggled in Atlanta, going 2-3 with a 5.24 ERA in 10 starts with his new team.

But now, the right-hander has a chance to rebound with the Rangers after exercising his $12.5 million option.

The Rangers announced the move via Twitter.

We’ve acquired RHP Jake Odorizzi and cash considerations from the Atlanta Braves in exchange for LHP Kolby Allard. pic.twitter.com/F5GVumKb9E

— Texas Rangers (@Rangers) November 9, 2022

Rangers Add Odorizzi

This obviously is not an earth-shattering move by any stretch of the imagination, but it does give the Rangers a veteran starter who has experienced the postseason before.

Odorizzi went 6-6 during the regular season and posted a 4.40 ERA.

He’ll be with a former teammate in Mitch Garver.

The two were batterymates in 2019, when Odorizzi earned his first All-Star nod.

Odorizzi will likely slot into the Rangers’ rotation next to Dane Dunning and Jon Gray.

Texas had a big offseason last year, but fell short in 2022, finishing 68-94.

Their only major pitching move with the signing of Gray.

While Odorizzi isn’t an ace by any stretch, a veteran presence in the Rangers’ rotation should be beneficial as they attempt to build a contending ballclub for the first time since 2016.

Texas has not reached the postseason since then.

The Rangers have been busy so far, previously hiring Bruce Bochy to manage the team.

Odorizzi is just the latest acquisition.