Rangers director of minor-league operations Mike Daly said prospect Rougned Odor "earned" his invite to major-league spring training after a strong showing in the minors last season and a productive offseason.
"Rougned earned it with how he played during the 2013 season between Myrtle Beach, Frisco and in the Venezuelan Winter League this offseason," Daly said. "Major-league camp will be great opportunity and he is looking forward to it."
Odor is coming off a solid season in the minors, which has earned him the distinction from Baseball America as the team's top prospect. Odor hit .305 with a .365 on-base percentage, .474 slugging percentage, .839 OPS, six triples, 11 home runs, 41 doubles, 78 RBI, 85 runs and 32 stolen bases in 130 games.
Part of the reason the Rangers also invited Odor to camp is to work with third baseman Adrian Beltre, who has been a positive influence on other young infielders (Elvis Andrus and Jurickson Profar) during his tenure with Texas.
"We feel (Odor) can handle (spring training) physically and mentally," general manager Jon Daniels said. "(Jurickson) Profar and (Luis) Sardinas are coming by way of being on the 40 and we felt Odor deserved to be there with them. Plus, this gives (manager Ron Washington) and the staff time to work with him, and see what he can do."