Braves Reunite with Former Postseason Star in the Outfield
Since Ronald Acuna Jr. suffered a torn ACL on May 26, the Atlanta Braves have been seeking a reliable outfield replacement.
With the MLB trade deadline approaching this month, the Braves are expected to actively pursue an outfielder. However, they got an early start on Friday.
The Braves signed outfielder Eddie Rosario to a minor league contract, as reported by Mark Bowman of MLB.com.
Rosario, 32, was designated for assignment by the Washington Nationals earlier this week after they promoted top prospect James Wood. The reunion between Rosario and the Braves seemed logical, and it was finalized on Friday.
Rosario was first acquired by the Braves at the 2021 trade deadline, following Acuna Jr.’s initial ACL tear. Alongside other additions like Joc Pederson, Adam Duvall, and Jorge Soler, Rosario made a significant impact, especially during the postseason.
After posting a .271/.330/.573 slash line in the final 33 regular season games, Rosario elevated his performance in the postseason. Over 16 postseason games, he slashed .383/.456/.617 with three home runs and a 1.073 OPS. In the 2021 National League Championship Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers, Rosario was nearly unstoppable, slashing .560/.607/1.040 with three home runs and a 1.647 OPS in six games. He earned the 2021 NLCS Most Valuable Player award.
Rosario spent the 2022 and 2023 seasons with the Braves before signing with the Nationals this past offseason.
During his 67 games with the Nationals, Rosario slashed .183/.226/.329 with seven home runs, 26 RBIs, and a .555 OPS, marking the worst season of his career in terms of OPS. However, both Rosario and the Braves hope a change of scenery will help him regain his form.
Rosario will report to Triple-A Gwinnett to work with the Braves’ hitting coaches and aim to earn a call-up before the trade deadline. This will give the Braves an opportunity to assess whether they need to acquire another outfielder before July 30.
Drafted in the fourth round of the 2010 MLB Draft by the Minnesota Twins, Rosario has played for the Twins, Cleveland Guardians, Braves, and Nationals throughout his 10-year MLB career.
